The Wye & Usk Foundation

2013 Edition

Over 180 miles of salmon, trout, coarse and grayling river fishing, along with some of the area’s best stillwaters

The Wye & Usk Foundation Registered Charity No. 1080319 1 Tel: 01982 560 788 www.wyeuskfoundation.org THE FASTEST, EASIEST MOBILE SITE EVER! Scan here to view our new online site! Get your free QR code reader from your app store.

For your FREE copy of the new Fishtec Fly, Coarse, Sea or Carp ﬁ shing catalogues 2 Call our mail order hotline 0871 911 7001 or visit www.ﬁ shtec.co.uk FISHTEC Unit 6 Industrial Estate, Brecon, Powys. LD3 8LA

A5 Fishtec ad - wye and usk passport.indd 1 07/02/2013 12:21 CONTENTS Reservoirs...... 82-85 Advice, Regulations...... 4 The Hidden Lakes...... 86-89 Seasons...... 5 Wild Streams...... 90-131 Salmon Fishing...... 6-7 Fly Fishing Small Rivers...... 92-93 Coarse Fishing...... 8-9 Canoeing...... 132-133 Trout & Grayling Fishing...... 10-11 About the Foundation...... 134-136 Guiding and Instruction...... 12-15 Biosecurity...... 137 The Booking Office...... 16-89 Map of Fisheries...... 138-139

Introduction

ur first concern is to ensure you have all the financial support. Every pound we can persuade Onecessary information to get you to the river you to donate enables us to draw down at least and that the fisheries are maintained to a good ten pounds in project funding and even more if standard. We rely on your feedback to ensure you are eligible for gift aid. The form for this is on this. The second is continuing our work to ensure page 136. clean water, a healthy environment and that the best deal is struck between other users of the We have kept prices for fishing more or less the river and the needs of the fisheries and fishers. same, though there is a slight increase in booking charges. There were over 10,000 angler visits We also ensure that what we do is sustainable in 2012, showing that the Passport did exactly in every sense and financially viable, so we have what it “said on the tin”, yet we have avoided any made some changes for 2013. The operation of overcrowding by continuously expanding the the Booking Office remains the same, though number of beats: 167 this year. with some exciting additions. However, we have replaced the old Roving Voucher system with a So please enjoy the excellent coarse fishing on new ‘Wild Stream’ section. Essentially, a season the Wye: barbel, chub and pike or perhaps the ticket allows you to access these beats as many rather special wild brown trout fishing on the Usk, times as you like. The occasional visitor who Monnow, Arrow, Lugg and upper Wye and the might not want to take a full ticket can also book Wye grayling. Last year showed that salmon are in advance. Full details of the new scheme may making a very welcome return. The Usk had an be found on page 90. excellent season with fish taken up to Brecon and even beyond while the Wye produced some of In most years since we started the Passport, the the big, early spring fish that made it famous. spectre of a damaging drought such as in 1976 has hung over us..... not so in 2013 which follows Have a great season and please let us know how on from the second wettest year on record! you get on. Despite this, the Foundation is working hard to With our best wishes, ensure that abstraction levels are appropriate for both SAC Rivers but also that the disastrous consequences of high rainfall on adjacent farmland is minimised. We are continuing with our ambitious tributary restoration work plus several projects to reduce agricultural diffuse pollution. Full details of all our work to restore the fisheries Dr Stephen Marsh-Smith OBE may be found on Page 134. Keeping the Executive Director momentum going requires a lot of help and Wye & Usk Foundation

Designed and Print Managed by Diamond Publications - 01271 860183 www.diamondpublications.co.uk 3 Advice and Regulations

You will find more specific advice in the limited numbers are taken after June 15th. Salmon, Coarse and Trout & Grayling Our concern is that despite the spring fishing sections. byelaws, there is not sufficient escapement of earlier running fish. We ask anglers to Licences handle fish very carefully, to avoid lures For all types of fishing you will need an that damage them, to use double rather Environment Agency Rod Licence in than treble hooks and on no account to addition to your day/season permit. These hold them out of the water for photography. are obtainable from our Booking Office, Trout and Grayling: Some fisheries allow Post Offices and the EA website. They are you take a number of sizeable trout or daily, weekly or for a year from 1st April. grayling and this will be clearly marked in There are two categories: one that includes the beat details. migratory fish (salmon and sea trout), trout and coarse species, and one just for trout and coarse fish. Size & Number Limits Dogs Grayling: All the smaller streams pass through 2 per day between 30 - 38cm (12” - 15”) farmland so we regret that on most Wild Brown Trout: Stream beats dogs are not allowed. Dogs Minimum size 23cm (9”) are allowed on some of the Booking Office beats - please see the individual beat Coarse species: descriptions for details. Passport beats are full catch and release for all coarse fish. Fish Conservation - catch and release Keepnets Salmon: A byelaw requires there to be full Coarse anglers please note that keepnets catch and release of all salmon on the Wye. must not be used on any WUF waters. This On the Usk this applies from the season is a biosecurity measure to prevent the start (3rd March) until 15th June inclusive. spread of killer shrimp and other species In addition, we ask that all coloured and and diseases. gravid Usk fish are returned and that only

Please Note: Whilst the Wye & Usk Foundation endeavours to ensure that the information provided in this booklet is accurate, we cannot be held liable for any errors or discrepancies that occur. Through the “Wye & Usk Passport”, the Foundation has opened up miles of wilderness fishing that would otherwise be inaccessible to visiting anglers. And with any fishing, there are risks involved. Whilst we endeavour to highlight any such risks, the Foundation cannot be held liable for any accidents, personal injury or damage to property.

4 Seasons and other important dates (all dates inclusive)

Wye Salmon Season - 3rd March to 17th October* Fly and Spinning Only 3rd March to 31st August Mandatory Catch & Release All season Fly Fishing Only 1st September to end of season *Some water extends to 25th October: All tributaries and the main river above Llanwrthwl Bridge.

Usk Salmon Season - 3rd March to 17th October Fly Fishing Only 3rd March to 31st May Mandatory Catch & Release 3rd March to 15th June Fly and Spinning Only 1st June to 15th June Fly, Spinning and permitted baits 16th June to 15th September Fly and Spinning Only 16th September to end of season

Sea Trout (Usk) 20th March to 17th October Sea Trout (Aeron, Arth and Teifi) 1st April to 17th October

Brown Trout Wye & Usk - 3rd March to 30th September Severn - 1st March to 7th October

Grayling (Wye and Severn) 16th June to 14th March

Coarse 16th June to 14th March (rivers only)

Stillwaters Reservoirs and other stillwaters vary in season dates, methods, catch limits etc. Please see each fishery’s details (pages 82 to 89)

To report pollution and poaching incidents please ring the Environment Agency’s 24 hour incident hotline immediately on

0800 80 70 60 Freephone 24 hour service. You should not use email to report an incident, as this could delay their response. Calls from mobile phones are not free and will be charged at normal network operator’s call rate.

5 Salmon Fishing

he Passport brings you access to two to enter the river from late May onwards. Tof the best salmon rivers in the England There is nothing better for the Usk than and Wales. Although the Wye and Usk are a good downpour and any rise in the next to each other and flow from mid Wales summer will bring fish up from the estuary. to the Severn estuary, they are strikingly However, the bulk of Usk fish are caught in different in size and the timing of their runs. September and October when grilse add Crucially, both have excellent opportunities to the catch. for catching salmon on the fly, and flow through spectacular scenery. The Booking Office The Booking Office has a wide selection The Wye’s spring run is recovering following of beats on the upper, middle and lower a decade of our work in the headwaters. reaches of both rivers that can be booked March is the most improved month and the online or over the phone. large spring fish – average weight 21lbs – may be caught from the start of the season Weekly E-newsletters advise of prospects (3rd March). This run is followed by spring (www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/ and summer fish that have spent 2 years at reports) and our real time gauges on sea and are typically 10 – 12lbs. Average webcams (www.wyeuskfoundation.org/ rainfall will spread them throughout the conditions) keep you up to date with river catchment and June invariably is the best flows. Some fisheries offer opportunities month. Summer fishing is often confined to to book three days for the price of two or the lower beats but is equally productive three rods for the price of two (“342”). although wet summers such as 2007, 2008 Season rods and 2012 make for good fishing throughout Season rods are more suitable for those the whole river. Finally, autumn rains take who fish regularly. Some beats are let on a fish up the river where they may again be day per week basis so that you fish on, say, caught in the upper and middle beats. every Wednesday throughout the season The Usk has a different run: there is the while others offer the opportunity to fish occasional springer but fish really start on any day of the season. Both charge a

6 Photo: Rob Olsen

single annual sum which varies from beat Rods and other gear for salmon to beat. Please see our website for details A 15’ rod and lines to match will cover all of availability in 2013: the early and high water fishing conditions www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing on the Wye and Usk. However, once levels settle, a lighter 14’ or even 13’ has the General advice on choosing a advantage that, with a lighter line, there beat is less splash - particularly important on Prevailing conditions are so important stretches with unbroken water. Many Wye when choosing where and when to go fishers like to add a short length of sink tip salmon fishing. Water heights, time of year just to hold the fly under and stop skating. and equally important, where the beat is Two feet is often enough in the summer but situated are crucial factors in making your longer lengths are a help in the spring and decision. All this comes with experience high water. but for the newcomer to salmon fishing Favourite flies include Cascade, Ally’s a call to the Booking Office may be Shrimp, Usk Grub, and all their derivatives advisable. We also recommend using one and variants. Sizes 6 – 10 will cover most of our instructors for tuition on casting or needs on the rivers with a few tubes up river craft. This is undoubtedly the quickest to 2” in copper and aluminium. Recently, route to building up that experience, saving the Red Frances and Sunray Shadow are hours of trial and error. Our website also appearing in catch returns. Lastly, as both links to our recommended local hotels, rivers can produce large fish use as strong pubs and restaurants. a cast as conditions allow. Rules and regulations Wading is often over gravel riverbeds and Details of seasons and regulations may be relatively straight forward in chest waders. found on page 5. In addition, each beat An exception is the slate bedrock of the may have some specific conditions such upper reaches of both rivers which is highly as fly only – please see the individual beat polished and often slippery with some steep descriptions for these. drop-offs into deep water. Caution is required here and stud-soled waders are essential. 7 Coarse Fishing The Wye is widely acknowledged as the UK’s premier coarse fishing river.

he Wye is blessed with a variety of species - barbel and pike being the focus of atten- Ttion for most anglers, with large shoals of chub and dace encouraging more and more anglers to bring out the float rod. The amount of water available to coarse anglers continues to increase, with land and fishery owners becoming increasingly aware of the need for wild stretches of this river to be sustainably managed. To maintain the quality of Wye fishing, our policy is to limit both the number of rods and the amount of fishing on each beat. This means many fisheries retain their natural state so be prepared to occasionally push back a few nettles or some long grass to make a cast. Chub are prevalent throughout the Wye, and to some extent the mid-lower Usk, except for the very smallest streams. 3 to 4lbs is the average but, with stealth and patience, specimen chub of 5lbs+ are there to be caught. In winter, roving with bread flake and mash will get consistent results, while in the summer and autumn, good numbers can be caught on most methods. The Wye is widely regarded as a top UK destination for barbel anglers. The river provides an ideal habitat for these fast, powerful fish. 5-8lb specimens are commonplace, fre- quently interspersed with doubles. Wye barbel are noted for their lean, muscular physique and for putting up a hard fight. A good quality rod and line is therefore necessary to have the best chance of successfully getting them to the net. Although the summer months are the most popular times to fish for barbel, a warm flood in the middle of winter can be enough to trigger them to feed. Many coarse species, but especially barbel and chub are still caught on the Wye during a flood, and as such, we seldom offer wash- offs for these species. A big flood can often be the most exciting time to fish, so think twice before you ig-

Photo: Adam Fisher nore your early morning alarm call!

8 Photo: Martin Bowler

The current record Wye pike, a fish of 37lbs, came from the river near Hay and the best pike fishing is to be found from Glasbury downstream. Some of the beats further upstream, however, especially around Builth Wells, also hold the occasional specimen, and every year, pike of 30lbs are landed. Lack of angling pressure enables these fish to thrive, so with many of the Passport waters being lightly fished, pike fishing prospects are excellent. Numbers of dace have increased in recent years and can be found as far upstream as Builth. They provide fantastic sport when long trotting maggots and fish approaching 1lb are often reported (maggots are not permitted on the Wye between 16th June and 14th September). Reports of good roach come in from time to time, usually caught by chub and dace anglers, but these days they are not really targeted on the Wye. Specimen fish (2lbs plus) are there and the dedicated angler, with favourable conditions, has every chance of catching one.

All of the Passport’s coarse fishing is let via the Photo: Meyrick Ames Booking Office, including that on the smaller rivers and stillwaters. As well as byelaws and individual fishery rules, there are some standard Foundation coarse fishing rules and regulations that are applicable to all beats par- ticipating in the Passport scheme. These include: • No keepnets for any species. • Barbless hooks at all times. • No camping or night fishing. • Only 1 rod per angler. • No worm, prawn or shrimp baits. • Pike lures must be over 6” (15cm). • No maggots or non aquatic pupae on rivers between 16 June and 14 September (EA/ EAW byelaw). 9 Trout & Grayling Fishing

oth the Wye and the Usk offer Although May and June are generally Bfirst class wild brown trout fishing, regarded the best months, the trout with the Usk rated as one of the best are still catchable during the summer if freestone trout rivers in the country. Fish anglers adapt their tactics - it is often not are distributed throughout its system until sunset that fish start to move at this with many of the tributaries also offering time of year. superb opportunities. The number and size of wild brown trout in the Wye is becoming comparable to those on the Usk. Better water quality has meant increased fly life - olives, sedges, caddis and, in some reaches of the main river and tributaries, traditional mayfly hatches. This, allied with improved access to spawning streams and juvenile habitat, has enabled the brown trout populations to prosper. Although trout can be caught throughout the main stem, the best of the Wye trout fishing is in the rockier, faster upper reaches on the Welsh side of the border. Some excellent fishing is also available on tributaries such as the Lugg, Arrow, Irfon, Ithon and the Monnow, including several tributaries of the river Severn. There is also information on some fantastic wild trout fishing on the Aeron and Arth in West Wales. The Passport offers a huge variety of water, ranging from large main stem to remote mountain streams only a few feet across. In addition to the river fishing are some of the area’s best stillwaters, including six of Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water’s reservoirs. These fisheries offer not only superb

Photo: Steffan Jones game fishing in their own right, but also provide an alternative should the rivers

10 be unfishable due to flood or drought. Wye upstream of Hay and some of the The stillwaters in the Passport are set in larger tributaries such as the Irfon, and remote and dramatic upland scenery. Both the Monnow system provide excellent wild brown and stocked rainbow trout can grayling fishing, with the Lugg and Arrow in be caught on the fly, with spinner and bait particular producing some very large fish. fishing also permitted on some of the Dwr Sport is good for most of the year, but Cymru reservoirs. September, October and November Grayling are the premier game fish of are probably the best months for the autumn and winter on the Wye, enabling specimens - just being on the river at this fishermen to enjoy sport throughout the magical time of year is enough for some year (see page 5 for season details and though. Czech nymphing, New Zealand size limits). style nymphing or traditional ‘down and There are lots of grayling in the Wye, and across’ techniques are all popular fly plenty of really big ones! With their radiant fishing methods. Except for the harshest dorsal fin, they are a truly spectacular of conditions, grayling are also very fish that provide a challenge to hook and willing to come up to a dry fly or emerging give a good fight. The main stem of the pattern. Photo: Adam Fisher 11 Guiding & Instruction Photo: Steffan Jones

or newcomers, river fishing and wilderness stillwaters Fcan be a fairly daunting prospect. Even experienced anglers can struggle with the different techniques required to successfully find and catch fish, especially in the small streams. With fly fishing, casting correctly is only the start. You need to know what methods to use in a variety of water conditions, which flies work and, perhaps most important of all, where the fish are. River trout do not move around a great deal - you have to go to them! An experienced instructor can be the difference between spending many fruitless hours and getting straight to the action. On top of this, the knowledge and skills they impart will be with you wherever you fish thereafter and will be transferable to other rivers and stillwaters. You can hire them on an hourly or daily basis, on your own, for a group or for a corporate event. They have an intimate knowledge of the water and will always know who is catching what and where. They will also provide the correct tackle if required. Most of the recommended instructors advertise in the following pages. For a full list with links to their websites, please see: www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/services Photo: Andrew Cartwright

12 I am a professional guide and instructor covering the Usk, Wye and Monnow area, catering for all group sizes; from individuals wanting 1-1 tuition up to large groups and from complete beginner to instructor candidate mentoring. Lessons can cover all aspects of fly fishing, from fly casting and water craft to advanced fishing techniques and are tailored to suit your requirements. I also run several residential courses at the beautiful Gliffaes Hotel on the banks of the river Usk. I am a member of the Game Angling Instructors Association (GAIA) and am an APGAI and FFF Master qualified instructor. Wye & Usk For details call 01594 541229 or 07824 363376 Foundation To contact me or check availability online our web Recommended address is: www.frankwilliamsflyfishing.co.uk Guide [email protected]

Frank Williams Advert 2013.indd 1 30/11/2012 10:27

OliverOliver BurchBurch

Angling adventures on the wild, beautiful rivers and lakes of Wales and the border country: Usk, Wye, Irfon, Monnow, Lugg, Arrow & small streams. Trout, grayling and sea trout. Individual casting lessons or guided days; transport, accommodation & tackle; coaching in rivercraft; tackle selection; specialist fly-fishing techniques including dry fly, north country style spiders, light & heavy nymphs; night fishing for sea trout in SW Wales; centre pin trotting for winter grayling. www.wyevalleyflyfishing.com [email protected] Tel: 07825 410800

13 Illtyd Griffiths Professional Game Angling Instructor

AAPGAI Master Wye & Usk Foundation Recommended 50 years experience on Welsh rivers and lakes Chris Price Guide for salmon, sewin, brown trout and grayling. APGAI, FFF THCI & MCI I specialise in one to one or small group fly casting tuition for all competencies with both single and double hand rods from large rivers to small streams. I will always strive to enable all anglers to Professional Fly Fishing improve not only their technical skills but to become better anglers. Instructor & Guide

Guiding on the Usk, Wye and South Wales tributaries for Salmon, Trout and Grayling From reading the water to advanced techniques Tel: 01495 231899 Mob: 07734469158 Tel: 01654 781 365 Mobile: 07974 942 853 Email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Web: www.sewincaster.co.uk www.castingwithstyle.co.uk

Qualified professional fly casting tuition for individuals or groups on still water and rivers. Beginners, intermediate and advanced levels.

Fully licenced and insured UKCC level 2 game angling coach. STANIC game angling instructor. Member of the game anglers instructors association and salmon and trout association. CRB Disclosure Certificate. First aid certificate. Safeguarding and child protection certificate

Providing a professional service, excellent value for money and a truly enjoyable experience. 07770 842000

www.saulroberts.co.uk

14 Andrew Cartwright

Guiding On The Picturesque Rivers of Wales Guiding on the rivers, streams and stillwaters of Wales, or specialist instruction in all fly fishing techniques including dry fly, spider, nymph, wet fly and Czech nymphing. Step Back In Time.... With an authentic period day out. Fishing with cane rods and silk lines, for that step back in time experience. Wye & Usk Casting Instruction: Foundation Licenced and qualified fly casting instructor, able to teach all ages and abilities. Recommended www.acgameangling.com & www.acgameangling.co.uk. Guide Tel: 01686 688196 Mobile: 07929 469160

15 The Booking Office

How to Book: Online at www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/booking_office For those with internet access, our Online Booking System is the simplest way to secure your fishing. Simply find the beat you want to fish, check the availability and book the day(s) you require, paying by credit or debit card. When you have made your booking, you will be sent a confirmation email with all the necessary beat maps, directions and other details. Those booking fishing this way will also receive a 10% discount on all purchases from Sportfish in 2013. Most of the beats in the Booking Office are available to book online. For those that aren’t, or for anglers without internet access, the alternative is …… By telephone or in person. Our offices are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, telephone 01982 560788. Payment can be made by credit/debit card and if booking by phone, we will post or email the beat maps and directions to you. Please be aware that our office is always busy, so sometimes it may be difficult to get through by telephone. In addition to the day ticket price there will be a booking charge, which is less for booking online. If you need catch information you can now search our catch returns and feedback page at www.wyeuskfoundation.org/fishing/feedback for river, beat, month etc to tell you what is being caught, where and how! Our website also gives you details on river heights and weather forecasts - www.wyeuskfoundation.org/conditions Photo: Paul Reddish

16 Photo: Paul Reddish Photo: Paul

Bookings, wash-offs and refunds: Unlike fisheries in other areas of the UK, most of our Booking Office beats operate a “wash-off” policy. This means that should you turn up and are unfortunate to find the river in flood, you can re-book for another day. Please note, however, that the policy is subject to the following conditions: • A “wash-off” must be reused on the same beat and within the same calendar year. • Re-bookings are only possible in the event of a flood that makes fishing impossible or dangerous and the Booking Office Manager’s decision on water conditions is final. • For salmon anglers, if your washed-off booking is during a non-peak period and you re-book during a peak period, you will be required to pay the difference. (Full terms and conditions can be seen on our website) Otherwise, once you have made a booking, either over the phone or online, no refunds are possible. Details for each of the following beats can change at any time during the year. Please be aware therefore that prices, availability, rules and regulations listed in the following pages may not be the same at the time of booking. Please also note that Wye salmon day tickets vary in price depending on the time of year.

The Booking Office also provides: • Information on instructors, guides, ghillies and tackle shops. • EA/EAW Rod Licences. • Advice on the best places to fish, which methods are working and the prevailing conditions.

Look out for the symbols below on the Booking Office beats.

Follow us on Twitter for up = Bookable online = Ghillie available to the minute Foundation news such as new beats, river = Accommodation nearby conditions and more...

17 THE RIVER WYE Salmon, trout, grayling & coarse fishing.

B1 - Upper Clochfaen

Extending upstream from Llangurig Bridge for over two miles is the Upper Clochfaen beat. Although wild brown trout are the main species, increasing numbers of grayling have been appearing in catch returns in recent years. This part of the river is perhaps noted more for the high average size of its fish, rather than the numbers. Much of the stretch is easy wading and very open with little to snag your back cast. Anglers are requested to note that this beat is a mixture of double and single bank fishing. See opposite page for local accommodation. Availability: 2 trout or winter grayling rods per day. Day ticket price: £10 Additional Details: No dogs. Barbless hooks only. Catch and release of all species. This is a Booking Office beat and NOT included in Wild Streams. B2 - Lower Clochfaen

The Lower Clochfaen beat comprises just under two miles of fishing and is split into two sections. Parts of the lower section of this beat flow over bedrock so the wading here can be tricky but the pocket water makes for some interesting fishing. Much of the upstream section of the beat is very open with little to snag your back cast, while the lower sections are more tree-lined. Anglers are requested to note that this beat is a mixture of double and single bank fishing. See opposite page for local accommodation. Availability: 2 trout or winter grayling rods per day. Day ticket price: £10 Additional Details: No dogs. Barbless hooks only. Catch and release of all species. This is a Booking Office beat and NOT included in Wild Streams.

18 The Clochfaen A First for the Upper Wye - Goes Barbless

The Clochfaen offers comfort, peace and quiet in spectacular surroundings within their welcoming B&B or their self catering cottages, in this recently restored historic house and estate. A newly designated Conservation Fishery

Llangurig, Near Llanidloes Powys SY18 6RP Tel: 01686 440687 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.theclochfaen.com

19 20 B3 - Dolgau - NEW Dolgau is 1 mile of mixed single (left) and double bank upper Wye fishing, a couple of miles south of Rhayader. The beat has several classic salmon pools as well as offering excellent trout fishing opportunities. However, this part of the Wye is especially renowned for its grayling and is a good bet for a specimen fish in the late summer and autumn. The best of the salmon fishing tends to be later in season and Dolgau produced 11 fish in 2012. Bank fishing is possible along most of the pools, all of which can be comfortably covered with a single or double handed rod. The fishery is well-maintained and has good access. With a combination of bedrock and gravel, care must be taken when wading as some of the pools are extremely deep. Stud- ded soles are essential. Availability: Up 2 salmon rods or 4 trout/ winter grayling rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon £25 - 35 Trout & winter grayling £20 Additional Details: EAW bye-laws must be observed. Catch and release all species. Fly fishing only. No dogs. This beat operates a ‘Wash off’ policy.

B4 - Craig Llyn - NEW This 1 mile+ upper Wye fishery is set in stunning surroundings, approximately 3 miles south of Rhayader. Craig Llyn has several named salmon pools as well as offering excellent trout and grayling fishing opportunities. The fishery has good access and benefits from good bank maintenance. For trout and grayling anglers, the water has good variety with a series of riffles and deep pools, along with some dry fly flats towards the lower end of the beat. The upstream end of the fishery also has some classic pocket water. For salmon anglers, bank fishing is possible along most of the pools all of which can be comfortably covered with a single or small double handed rod. Wading is necessary, however, when fishing for trout and grayling, care must be taken as some of the pools are extremely deep. Studded soles are essential.

Availability: Up 2 salmon rods or 4 trout/winter grayling rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon £25 - 35 Trout & winter grayling £20 Additional Details: EAW bye-laws must be observed. Catch and release all species. Fly fishing only. No dogs. This beat operates a ‘Wash off’ policy.

21 B5 - Doldowlod

Approximately 1¼ miles of double bank fishing, upstream of Newbridge-on-Wye. The river here is 20-30 yards wide and provides a variety of pools and riffles. The beat has a good head of trout and grayling and there is the chance of an autumn salmon given high water. Wading is difficult in places so felt and studded soles are essential. Doldowlod is a very secluded, peaceful stretch of water and is especially renowned for its autumn grayling fishing. In recent years numerous 2lb+ specimens have been caught. Availability: Up to 4 rods available every day of the week. Day ticket price: £17.50 Additional Details: Anglers can take 1 trout or grayling per rod, when in season. Fly fishing only. No dogs.

22 B6 - The Rocks

Approximately 1 mile of single (left) bank fishing on the River Wye, upstream of Builth Wells. As the name suggests, it is a spectacularly rocky stretch of water with numerous pools and runs. The beat offers good trout and grayling fishing. Fishing from the bank is possible in places. When wading, however, care must be taken as some of the pools are extremely deep.

Availability: Up to 3 trout or grayling rods per day. Day ticket price: £17.50 Additional Details: 2 fish limit (trout and grayling only). Fly fishing only.

B7 - Lower Glanwye (Llyn Em)

Half a mile of double and single bank fishing 2 miles downstream of Builth Wells. Lower Glanwye offers salmon fishing along with some first class sport for trout and grayling, a small part of which is fishable from the bank. Most of the beat does require wading, however, and as with most of the upper Wye, stud or felt-soled waders are necessary. The beat can easily cater for one salmon rod or two trout/ grayling rods per day.

Availability: Up to 1 salmon or 2 trout or winter grayling rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £25 to £35 Trout & grayling: £15 Additional Details: 2 trout or grayling can be taken per rod when in season. Fly fishing only for trout and grayling. Dogs allowed under control.

23 Caer Beris Manor H O T E L & R E S T A U R A N T

SOME of the best fishing in Britain is on our doorstep. The Irfon flows through our grounds and has first class Grayling, Trout and Coarse Fish. In addition we have two guest rods on the River Wye. Llyn Arlach, a first class trout fishery, is next to the hotel, and other stillwaters such as the Elan Valley and Llyn Gwynne are a short drive away.

For the coarse fisherman, the rivers are full of chub, dace, pike and perch. Barbel are also appearing in increasing numbers as they move up from the middle reaches of the Wye. Good carp fishing can be found locally at Llandrindod and other lakes.

ACCOMMODATION: All our 23 bedrooms are individually decorated to a high standard. All have a private bathroom - many have a shower and bath - as well as television, radio, telephone, hairdryer and tea making facilities. Three bedrooms are on the ground floor and one is suitable for a wheelchair user. If you have children we also have large family rooms available. We have five rooms which have four poster beds, including our executive suite.

WINE & DINE: The finest local produce is used to create the dishes in our award winning Tudor Restaurant. Among the many choices on the four course menu are always Welsh Lamb and Welsh Black Beef. We also have a wide range of local Welsh Cheeses. The AA have awarded us a coveted rosette for our food for the past seven years. The Conservatory restaurant also serves lighter meals and grills at lunchtime and evenings. To complement your meal choose a bottle of wine from our extensive list of over 150 bins from a dozen different countries. Whether you want a fine claret or a crisp new world Chardonnay, you will find it on our list at a very reasonable price.

Caer Beris Manor, Builth Wells, Powys. LD2 3NP Tel: 01982 552 601 Fax: 01982 552 586 www.caerberis.com

24 B8 - Plas Gwyn

425 yards of left bank fishing on the upper Wye, a few miles down-stream of Builth Wells. Plas Gwyn offers salmon, trout and grayling fishing as well as some sizeable chub and dace for the coarse fisherman. There is a very promising salmon pool with records of sizeable fish having been taken on this stretch of the river over many years. The riverbed is a mixture of bedrock and gravel, chest waders are advisable with stud/felt shoes mandatory. Access to the beat is straightforward; there is ample parking, a dedicated fishing hut, a picnic area with table and easy walking to the water’s edge which is kept well groomed. Plas Gwyn is ideal for a few hours fishing in a beautiful, private location. Plas Gwyn offers first class accommodation: a self catering cottage, 8 ensuite rooms in the main house and exclusive riverside camping/vans. See details on the Foundation’s website and advert below.

Availability: Up to 2 rods per day. Day ticket price: Trout, grayling and coarse: £15 Salmon: £25 to £35 Additional Details: Catch & release of all species. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

Set in 20 acres the recently renovated Plas Gwyn Estate offers ACCOMMMODATION ~ FISHING ~ CAMPING ~ TENNIS

A spacious, detached COTTAGE ~~ En suite ROOMS from £25 pppn ~~ Riverside CAMPING £8.00 pppn (with facilities) Individual and group bookings welcome; flexible terms to suit budget and needs. Contact Michael: Tel: 07771 866969 ~ email: [email protected] ~ Aberedw, Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3UH

25 B9- Abernant

Consisting ¾ of a mile of left bank fishing, Abernant has two substantial salmon pools with lots of good trout and grayling water. As with most of the upper Wye fishing, the riverbed is a mixture of gravel, boulders and bedrock so wading is difficult in places - chest waders are required to get the best out of the fishing, with stud or stud/felt soles mandatory.

Availability: Up to 3 rods available every day of the week. Day ticket price: Salmon: £25 to £35 Trout, grayling and coarse: £20 Additional Details: 2 trout or grayling can be taken per rod when in season. Dogs allowed under control. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

B10- Ty-Newydd

A 1½ mile section of mostly double bank upper Wye fishing. It has several named salmon pools and a good head of trout and grayling. The Wye is substantial in width here (approx 70 yards) but is suitable for expert and less experienced fly fishers alike. Other attractions include a family of otters that regularly visit the beat and seem quite unperturbed by the presence of anglers. Some of the salmon pools have boards to stand on but please remember you must have studded soles to use these - felt offers no grip whatsoever. Otherwise, if wading, studded soles are an absolute must. Photo: Paul Reddish Photo: Paul Availability: Up to 3 salmon or 6 trout/ grayling rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £35 to £45 Trout & grayling: £20 Additional Details: Fly fishing only. 2 grayling or trout can be taken per rod per day when in season. Dogs allowed under control.

26 27

S12_Fishing_Waders_Wye&Usk_S13_A5.indd 1 1/30/13 5:33 PM B11 - Gromain

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Black Mountains, Gromain is a 1 mile stretch of double bank fishing near Erwood. The beat is well maintained and suitable for fly fishers at all levels. Expect a big river, some 70 yards wide in places, running over slate bedrock with the deep pools and fast runs that characterise this part of the river - classic fly water for salmon, trout and grayling. For coarse anglers, along with some very big chub and dace, the fishery has produced the occasional barbel in recent years. Difficult wading in places so felt or studded soles are an absolute must. Availability: Up to 3 salmon or 4 trout, grayling or coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £35 to £45 Trout and grayling: £20 Coarse: £15 Season rods also available. Additional Details: 2 trout or grayling can be taken per day, when in season. Catch & release for salmon at all times. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply. For winter grayling fishing, Gromain is combined with the Llanstephan Beat. B12 & B13 - Llanstephan & Llangoed

These two beats are the opposite sides of the same 1 mile stretch of the upper Wye (Llanstephan left bank & Llangoed right) but run a rotation system to enable exclusive use of the pools. This section of river includes the famous Dol-meudwy, Orchard, Home Catch and Llangoed Pools, all of which offer a good mixture of fly and spinning water. The beats also offer good trout and grayling fishing, especially in the downstream sections below Llan- goed Pool. For coarse anglers, there are some very large chub, which are usually found in the slower reaches of the middle sections. Large pike also lurk there. The wading is difficult – studded soles are essential. Availability: Up to 2 salmon or 3 trout, grayling or coarse rods per beat per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £35 to £45 Trout, grayling & coarse: £15 Additional Details: 2 trout or grayling can be taken per day, when in season. Catch & release for salmon at all times. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

28 The Old Vicarage, Erwood Quality & Value B&B Accommodation overlooking the River Wye We are delighted to welcome patrons of the WUF to The Old Vicarage. The Old Vicarage Nestling in the Wye Valley, we offer comfort, traditional Welsh farmhouse Erwood, Powys hospitality, and the convenience of a location central to many of the LD2 3SZ popular beats on the Wye and Usk catchments. 01982 560 680 With WUF offices just across the river, plus Builth Wells (10 mins), [email protected] Brecon (20 mins) and Hereford (40 mins) within easy driving distance, oldvicwyevalley.co.uk we invite you to use us as a base for your visit. We specifically cater for anglers, with drying facilities, early breakfasts, packed lunches, and fly and tackle selections available. Delicious breakfasts from our own produce, sumptuous antique beds and furnishings, plus stunning views, complete a unique B&B experience at remarkably good rates.

Find our reviews at tripadvisor.co.uk !!

B14 - Rectory - NEW Approx. 1.5 miles of right and 1 mile of left bank main river salmon, trout, grayling and coarse fishing some 6 miles upstream of Hay on Wye. The Rectory a premier upper Wye beat with a procession of diverse pools. Salmon are caught over a wide range of flows. For trout and grayling anglers there are some lovely dry fly flats and plenty of runs suited to the wet fly. The Bridge Flats or Gravel Catch on a summer’s evening can offer superb dry fly fishing. Barbel can usually be found between the top of the beat and the Mill Stream. This is a prolific stretch for large dace and chub. Wading is fairly easy on most of the beat but there are, however, some rocky outcrops to negotiate on some of the lower pools - meaning studded soles are a must.

Availability: Letting only between 3rd March and 17th October. Up to 3 salmon or trout/grayling rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon £40 to £60 Trout and grayling £30 Additional Details: 2 trout or grayling can be taken per day, when in season. Catch & release for salmon at all times.

29 B15 - Sheephouse

Around 3 miles of north bank fishing just upstream of the bridge at Hay-on-Wye. In an area of the river traditionally known for its spring/summer salmon fishing, this stretch has numerous pools, suitable for both fly fishing and spinning. The beat also offers excellent trout (fly only), grayling & coarse fishing for barbel, chub and dace. The Wye here flows over gravel so wading is relatively easy. Anglers are also able to drive right up to the north riverbank. Self-catering accommodation is also available on the riverbank at Nethouse Cottage, telephone 07919 103 933.

Availability: Up to 4 salmon, trout or coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £25 to £35 Trout & coarse: £15 Additional Details: Dogs permitted but are to be kept under control at all times. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

B16 - Upper Clifford

¾ of a mile of single (right) bank fishing, a few miles downstream of Hay on Wye. This section of river has more variety of water than most in the middle/lower Wye. The upstream section includes a classic, 250 yard salmon fly run which then runs into the famous Cae Mawr Pool (pictured) about halfway down the beat. Above and below this the river is more uniform in depth and flow. The beat provides excellent coarse fishing for barbel, chub and pike. For salmon anglers, wading the run into the Cae Mawr Pool is relatively easy with a gently sloping gravel riverbed. A new track and bank clearance work was carried out in 2011, this has much improved the access to the fishery – vehicles can now park next to the water with 4x4s able to drive along the riverbank.

Availability: Up to 2 coarse or 1 salmon rod daily. Day ticket price: Salmon: £25 to £35 Coarse: £15 Additional Details: Catch and release for all species. Dogs not permitted. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply. 30 WWoody’soody’s AnglingAngling CentreCentre Coarse Fishing Specialists everything you need to fish the mighty river Wye.

Run by anglers, for anglers ALL LEADING MAKES OF TACKLE SUPPLIED 67 Whitecross Road, Hereford HR4 0DQ Tel: 01432 344 644

B17 - Whitney Court

Approximately 3 miles of mostly double bank fishing on one of the classic middle Wye fisheries. Whitney Court is split into 4 beats and offers good salmon fishing in the spring and early summer, with water to accommodate the fly angler and those choosing to spin. Although the upper river is more notable for trout and grayling, fly fishing for these species is also available. Running predominantly over gravel, wading is much easier than the bedrock sections of the Wye above Hay. This part of the river also holds good stocks of coarse fish, especially barbel, chub and pike. Fishing huts are available to all, including toilet facilities and there is good vehicular access.

Availability: Up to 4 salmon or coarse rods per day – 4 coarse rods available outside of the salmon season. Day ticket price: Salmon: £25 to £35 Trout & coarse: £20 Additional Details: Dogs permitted but are to be kept under control at all times. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply. 31 B18 - Upper Winforton & The Pikes

¾ of a mile of double bank fishing on the middle Wye, a few miles downstream of Hay. Win- forton is where the record Wye salmon was landed in 1923, a 59lb fish caught by Doreen Davey. The beat offers salmon anglers a stretch of water that is suitable for both fly and spinner. For coarse anglers barbel and chub are the main quarry, although pike, dace and grayling are present. Access to the fishery is good via a track to the water’s edge. If wading, the gravel riverbed makes for easy going. Excellent B&B accommodation is available at nearby Winforton Court - 01544 328 498.

Availability: Up to 2 salmon or 3 coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £25 to £35 Coarse: £15 Additional Details: Catch & release only. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply. Dogs permitted but must be kept under control at all times. B19 - Letton Court

1½ miles of left bank salmon fishing on the middle Wye, located in between Hereford and Hay in a part of the river noted for its spring fishing. Split into 3 beats, the fishery is a good mixture of fly and spinning water and, where necessary, is relatively easy to wadeover the gravel riverbed. A ghillie is available if required at an extra cost - please enquire when booking. Letton also provides excellent river and stillwater coarse fishing. Those interested should contact the fishery direct on 01570 493125.

Availability: Up to 2 salmon rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £25 to £35 Additional Details: Catch and release only. No dogs permitted.

32 B20 - Red Lion/Moccas Fishery

Extending over some 4 miles of single bank fishing on the middle Wye, this is traditionally one of the places to try for spring salmon. Flowing through pasture land, the fishery offers easy wading and good access to the numerous pools and fly runs. Better known in recent years as a barbel fishery, this famous Wye beat is now open to salmon day tickets throughout the season. Those wanting to coarse fish should contact the Red Lion Hotel directly on 01981 500 303.

Availability: Up to 4 salmon rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £25 to £35 Additional Details: Catch & release for all species. No dogs.

33 B21 - Preston Court

1 mile of right bank coarse fishing offering anglers a variety of conditions. The upstream sections are faster flowing over bedrock and gravel, usually fishing well for summer barbel. The middle and lower reaches are much deeper and slower and along with barbel in winter, this is where anglers are likely to find the pike and perch. Chub are likely to be prevalent throughout. Although there are a number of swims, the banks are steep and can be difficult to access in places, especially in the late summer months when bankside vegetation is at its highest.

Availability: Up to 2 coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: Coarse: £15 Additional Details: Catch & release of all species. Dogs permitted but are to be kept under control at all times. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

B22 - Upper Canon Bridge

½ mile of right bank coarse fishing approximately 6 miles upstream of Hereford. The river here is relatively slow flowing with excellent bank side features providing cover for all the usual Wye coarse species. This is a beautifully secluded stretch of the river and is the perfect location for a day’s fishing for two anglers. The beat can be booked alongside Lower Canon Bridge fishery to allow parties of 6 to fish together. Please note that there is a short section of fishing in between the two beats that remains private fishing at all times. Access to the water is excellent following clearance work in the autumn of 2011 with several sets of steps constructed to allow easier access to the swims. 1st class B&B and self- catering accommodation is available nearby at Canon Bridge House.

Availability: Up to 2 coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: £20 Additional Details: Catch & release only. No dogs. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

34 B23 - Lower Canon Bridge

1 mile of right bank salmon and coarse fishing approximately 6 miles upstream of Hereford. This fishery is set amongst rural Herefordshire scenery with the Weir Garden, an impressive National Trust property, located on the opposite bank. The stretch is a mixture of fast and slow water, with easy wading over a mostly gravel riverbed. This beat can be booked along with Upper Canon Bridge to allow parties of 6 to fish together. Access to the water is excellent following clearance work in the autumn of 2011 although there is a walk of around ½ mile to the riverbank. The quality of the fishing here more than makes up for this though. 1st class B&B and self- catering accommodation is available nearby at Canon Bridge House. Availability: Up to 2 salmon or 4 coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £25 to £35 Coarse: £20 Additional Details: Catch and release only. No dogs. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

35 B24 - Sugwas Court

Just over one mile of left bank fishing a few miles above Hereford. This is an exceptional example of middle river Wye fishing containing all the favourite fish species. The top part of the fishery is characterised by fast flows over a gravel riverbed, with deep gullies at the margins; perfect habitat for barbel and the huge shoals of chub that inhabit this part of the river. The lower/middle part of the fishery is deeper and slower and has likely areas to fish in higher flows. Parking and access to the fishery is excellent - via a track through an orchard, vehicles are permitted right up to the riverbank.

Availability: Up to 2 salmon or 4 coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £25 to £35 Coarse: £20 Additional Details: Catch & release only. No dogs. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

B25 - Perryhill

Approximately 1 mile of right bank fishing just upstream of Belmont Golf Club, Hereford. Perryhill Fishery has received very little angling pressure in recent years and, as a result, the beat is very much in its natural state. Those who enjoy fishing unspoilt rivers (and who are prepared to push back a few nettles) will have no problem finding suitable areas from which to fish. Parking is located a few hundred yards from the river bank and there are several barbed wire fences keeping cattle from the riverbanks. The coarse fishing in this part of the Wye is as good as it gets so the walk should be worthwhile! Barbel are prolific, along with some huge pike. There is also some superb trotting water for dace, roach and the substantial shoals of chub that this area of the Wye is famous for. Surrounded by stunning Herefordshire countryside, Perryhill is a 1st class destination for the more adventurous angler.

Availability: Up to 3 coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: £20 Additional Details: No dogs. Catch & release only. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

36 B26 - Upper Holme Lacy - NEW Approximately 700 yards in length, the fishery includes the famous Hatton’s Hole salmon pool and is slow and deep in places with fast runs and eddies towards the fly pool at the bottom. The main flow of the river is on the near side until it pushes across to the opposite bank towards the bottom in a shallow fast run which is called the Hopyard Pool. Big shoals of chub can be found around overhanging willow trees with barbel and even some big carp also present. This is also a pike hot spot. This beat has vehicle access to the river bank and Tipi accommodation is also located in the top field should you wish to make your stay more adventurous! www.tipiadventure.co.uk

Availability: Up to 2 salmon rods March 3rd to June 15th then up to 4 coarse rods June 16th to November 30th. Day ticket price: Salmon and coarse rods £20. Additional Details: Dogs permitted but to be kept under control at all times. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

37 B27 - Lower Carrots & Luggsmouth

Approximately 800 yards of double bank salmon and coarse fishing a few miles downstream of Hereford. One of the famous middle Wye salmon fisheries (part of Hutton’s water) the beat also offers excellent coarse fishing for all the usual species, including barbel, chub and pike. Access to the fishery is good with croys and walkways from which to fish.

Availability: Up to 2 salmon or coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £25 to £35 Coarse: £17.50 Additional Details: No dogs permitted. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

B28 - Holme Lacy 3 & Lechmere’s Ley

Over 1000 yards of prime Wye salmon and coarse fishing just a few miles downstream of Hereford. Good fly and spinning water for salmon with a number of good pools. The Lechmere’s Ley is well known as one of the more productive in the middle river. A ghillie is available and included in the price of a salmon day ticket. The coarse fishing is excellent with ideal water for barbel, chub and pike. Access is very easy with gently sloping banks and numerous croys to stand on. If wading, the gravel river bed makes for relatively easy going.

Availability: Up to 4 salmon or coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £25 to £35 Coarse: £20 Additional Details: Catch & release only. No dogs. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

38 B29 - Middle Ballingham & Fownhope 8

2/3 of a mile of double bank fishing a few miles downstream of Hereford. This secluded stretch offers coarse fishing for the usual species that inhabit the middle river (including barbel) and has been virtually un-fished in recent years. A mixture of streamy water, gentle glides and deep, slow pools, the beat has sections suitable for various methods, including trotting for dace and chub. The slow, deeper sections will also be good winter piking spots. Access along the bank is by foot only so anglers are advised to travel light. The banks are steep in places although there are plenty of spots to access the water.

Availability: Up to 3 coarse rods daily. Day ticket price: Coarse: £15 Additional Details: Dogs permitted but are to be kept under control at all times. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

B30 - Aramstone

Just under 1 mile of left bank salmon and coarse fishing between Ross on Wye and Her- eford. Although the river is slow towards the top part of the fishery, there are excellent bank side features providing cover for pike, perch and large shoals of chub. From the top of the fishery the water quickens and shallows into Carey Islands – here there are large shoals of barbel and dace, with chub and roach appearing in the autumn and winter. Access to the water is excellent and with the addition of waders gives the opportunity to explore the Carey Islands. For salmon anglers the wading is easy over a mostly gravel river bed - the run from Carey Islands into Carey Stream is excellent fly water.

Availability: Up to 2 salmon or 4 coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £25 to £35 Coarse: £20 Additional Details: No dogs. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

39 B31 - Lower Ballingham

Just over a mile of single right bank middle Wye fishing situated between Hereford and Ross. There are a number of streamy sections that are suitable for fly fishing for salmon and a number of holding pools that are more suited to spinning. The ‘Quarry’ is a deep holding pool notable for the capture of two fish in one day weighing 51lb and 44lb respectively. Wading is relatively easy over the mostly gravel riverbed. For coarse anglers there is a good head of barbel, chub and pike. The area around Carey Islands also holds brown trout. The fishery has been lightly fished in recent years. A small syndicate also fishes the water so day tickets do not have exclusivity although there is more than enough water to go round.

Availability: Up to 2 salmon or coarse rods daily. Day ticket price: Salmon: £30. Coarse: £20 Additional Details: Catch & release for all species. Dogs are not permitted. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

B32 - Caradoc

1¼ miles of right bank salmon & coarse fishing on the middle Wye, located between Ross and Hereford. Set in beautiful and secluded surroundings, this is one of the classic middle river salmon fisheries, also offering first class coarse fishing for barbel, chub and pike. A number of croys along the bank enable easy access to most of the salmon pools. Where required, wading is relatively easy. For salmon anglers, a part-time ghillie is sometimes available - please enquire when booking. Access to the water is very easy, as in dry conditions it is possible to drive along the bank for almost the entire length of the beat.

Availability: Up to 4 salmon or coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: Photo: Chris Ponsford £45 weekdays, £35 weekends. Additional Details: Dogs are not permitted. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

40 The Cottage of Content ... in Carey is a warm cottage pub and country restaurant in unspoilt countryside near Hereford and Ross-on-Wye just minutes from several prime Wye and Usk Foundation beats.

Owners Richard and Helen Moore are keen to maintain the fine reputation this award winning venue has had for the last few years and have refurbished the pub in keeping with their commitment to quality. With 25 years Head Chef experience, Richard's new menu is already satisfying diners from near and far. We welcome all diners to take a look at our sample menu. Families are always welcome to dine and children's menus are available. The Cottage of Content offers overnight accommodation with 3 Double En-suite bedrooms and 2 Twin rooms with shared bathroom facilities.

The Cottage of Content, Carey, Hereford HR2 6NG Bookings 01432 840242 www.cottageofcontent.co.uk

B33 - White House

Approximately 1 mile of left bank fishing situated in between Ross and Hereford. The upstream sections of this beat are quite deep and slow but the pace quickens further downstream, therefore offering salmon anglers a good variety of fly and spinning water, all set in some beautiful and secluded surroundings. Access to some of the pools is made easier by croys and platforms but where wading is necessary, the gravel riverbed makes for relatively easy going. The coarse fishing in this part of Wye is excellent - barbel and chub are present, along with a few likely looking lies for pike. Grayling have also been caught on this beat in recent years and the faster sections will provide good potential trotting water. Anglers should be aware that the farm occasionally takes bookings directly so other anglers may occasionally be on the water.

Availability: Up to 4 salmon or coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £35 Photo: Chris Ponsford Coarse: £20 Additional Details: Dogs permitted but are to be kept under control at all times. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

41 B34 - How Caple Court

2/3 mile of left bank fishing a few miles upstream of Ross on Wye. This is a particularly beautiful part of the Wye Valley and fishing here is highly recommended if visiting the area. This part of the river is also renowned as having some of the best coarse fishing available on the river. Although shallow and weedy in places, the fishery has deep holes in between these sections that provide superb coarse fishing opportunities for chub, barbel, and dace. Parking is good and although a short walk is required to get to the river bank, there are plenty of newly created swims and steps allowing easy access to the river. Please note that the fishery owner reserves the right to fish with guests at any time and without prior notice. Availability: Up to 4 coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: £20 Additional Details: Dogs permitted but are to be kept under control at all times. Catch and release only. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply. B35 - Foy Bridge

220 yards of double bank middle Wye fishing a few miles upstream of Ross. The Foy Bridge fishery is ideal for an hour or two’s salmon fishing for one rod or day’s coarse fishing for one or two anglers. Access to the river is good with nearby parking, and following extensive clearance work in the autumn of 2011 now has excellent access to the water’s edge with several swims to choose from. The flow is quite fast for this part of the Wye so barbel are the likely target species for coarse anglers, with a few large chub in the pools and back eddies along the left bank. For salmon anglers the beat has a good fly fishing pool with numerous boulders and potential lies. Fishing from the bank is possible in high water although wading is relatively straightforward in medium/low water. Wading is recommended to get the best of the salmon fishing but there are some deep holes to be wary of. A caravan site is located in this stunning part of the Wye valley ½ mile up the road – please call 01989 563833 for more details. Availability: 1 salmon or up to 2 coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £20. Coarse: £15 FREE SALMON FISHING: If no paying coarse or salmon rods have been booked then the fishery is available for 1 or 2 salmon anglers to fish for free. Free rods may not be booked more than 2 days in advance and can only have 1 day booked at a time. In addition, a £100 prize will be offered to the angler catching the most salmon from the beat in the 2013 season. Additional Details: Dogs allowed under control. Catch & release only. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

42 The White Lion

“ the inn on the Wye with the most beautiful views" Landlords Dave and Jacqui Newman offer you a warm welcome to the White Lion Inn. This delightful 16th century riverside inn is a favourite with locals and tourists alike, enjoying spectacular views of the river, of Ross, and the surrounding countryside. 15 Wye and Usk Foundation beats within 20 minutes. Wilton Lane, Ross on Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 6AQ 01989 562785 www.whitelionross.co.uk B36 - Backney

Approximately 1 mile of double bank fishing located a few miles upstream of Ross. For salmon anglers, the beat offers a good mixture of fly and spinning water and has a number croys from which to cast. The lower sections are characterised by shallower, streamier water. Here wading is required but is relatively easy over the gravel riverbed. Access to the entire length of the fishery is excellent. Backney is host to a range of coarse species. As well as the chub and barbel, the water also holds good numbers of pike and some large river carp. Grayling, dace and roach are also present.

Availability: Up to 2 salmon or 3 coarse rods per day Day ticket price: Salmon: £35 Coarse: £20 Additional Details: Dogs permitted under control. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

43 44 B37 - Goodrich Court

A mile of double bank premier Wye salmon fishing, a few miles downstream of Ross on Wye that combines the more well know salmon pools of Middle and Upper Hill Court. It is a succession of famous pools (The V, Dog Hole, Maddox, Vanstone, etc) and is where Robert Pashley caught most of his 10,000+ fish. Suited to both fly fishing and spinning, much of the beat is fishable from the bank although wading is relatively easy when required. Access is excellent with parking at the water’s edge on both banks. See B39 for accommodation details.

Availability: Up to 4 salmon rods per day. Day ticket price: £30 to £45 Additional Details: Dogs permitted but are to be kept under control at all times.

B38 - Middle Hill Court

Just under 1 mile of double bank fishing in between Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth. Set in the shadow of Goodrich Castle, Middle Hill Court is one of the premier Wye salmon waters while also offering some first class coarse fishing. For salmon anglers the beat has several named pools including the Rope Pool, Ford Stream, etc. The fishery is suited to both fly and spinner and the wading is relatively easy when required. Barbel, chub and pike are common in this part of the Wye. The barbel run to double figures and the best pike in recent years weighed in at 28lbs. Other species include roach, dace, perch and even the occasional carp. See B39 for accommodation details.

Availability: Up to 4 salmon or coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £25 to £35 Coarse: £20 Additional Details: Dogs permitted but are to be kept under control at all times. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

45 B39 - Lower Hill Court

Just under 2 miles of mostly double bank salmon and coarse fishing situated between Ross on Wye and Monmouth. Set with the back drop of Goodrich Castle and with the lower limit marked by Kerne Bridge, this is a highly recommended fishery. For salmon anglers, the famous Marle Bed fishes excellently with the fly, with the lower part of the beat below The Point more suited to spinning. Wading is relatively easy over a mostly gravel riverbed. Coarse anglers will find this beat extremely comfortable, with vehicle access along the length of the beat. Flanesford Priory offers superb self catering accommodation. Visit their website for further information – www.flanesfordpriory.co.uk

Availability: Up to 4 individual coarse or salmon rods. Day ticket price: Salmon: £25 to £35 Coarse: £20 Additional Details: Dogs permitted but are to be kept under control. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

B40 - Kerne Bridge

Approximately 600 yards of left bank fishing in between Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth, set in the shadow of Goodrich Castle. This was the private beat of the famous Wye angler, Robert Pashley, and probably the inspiration as a boy for his lifelong passion for salmon fishing. His former residence is located on the hillside immediately behind the fishery, with the cribs that remain allowing you to follow in the footsteps of the once named, ‘Wizard of the Wye’. The barbel fishing is excellent, and chub and pike are common place, especially in the deep pool below Kerne Bridge. Please note – although this beat is relatively short, it will accommodate 4 coarse anglers in the same party. See B39 for accommodation details.

Availability: Up to 2 salmon or 4 coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £25 to £35 Coarse: £20 Additional Details: Catch & release only. Dogs allowed under control. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

46 47 B41 - Thomas Wood - NEW Approximately 1¼ miles of right bank fishing which includes the salmon lies of the old Rail- way Bridge Pool, the Maiden Ford and Thomas Wood Crib, down to the small confluence of the Bishopswood Brook. From the left bank the catches are 5ft Rock, Cricket Pitch and Boat Crib. Lightly fished over the years, Thomas Wood has been a good venue for pike along with barbel, chub and perch. The fishery has the Kerne Bridge Canoe Launch on the opposite bank at the old Railway Bridge and day ticket holders (coarse or salmon) are welcome to fish from canoes, subject to appropriate third party liability arrangements.

B42 - Home Fishery - NEW Approximately 1¼ miles of prime right bank Wye fishing situated beneath the old Courtfield Estate house. This is where King Henry V lived as an 8 year old, under the care of Lady Margaret Montacute, the Countess of Salisbury and her effigy can be seen in the nearby Welsh Bicknor Church. The coarse fishing is excellent for barbel, chub, dace and pike. During mayfly hatches there are also opportunities to cast for wild brown trout by wading across the shallows above the island. The salmon pools are plentiful and include the Shut Pool and Run at the top end, followed by the Swan Pool, Pumping Station Pool, Waterscross Pool, Ferry and Netting Station Pool. At the bottom end under the right bank is The Island or Prince Henry’s Pool, where salmon stop before ascending the rapids.

48 B43 - Courtfield

Located in between Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth, the Courtfield Fishery is just under ¾ mile of left bank salmon and coarse fishing. The beat has benefited from access improve- ment works allowing salmon anglers to be able to cast from the croys in the middle section. It is a mixture of good fly and spinning water and fish of 32, 27, 26, 25 and 24.5lbs have been caught in recent years. First class coarse fishing is also on offer for all the usual Wye species and pike up to 36lbs have been caught in recent years with regular reports of double figure barbel in the summer. (When combined with the Wyebank beat this is an excellent location for parties of 5 or 6 anglers to fish together). The beat also has a guide/ghillie available for an introduction to the water when available – please enquire when booking.

300 yards of left bank lower Wye fishing, located in the village of Lydbrook, between Ross on Wye and Monmouth. The Wyebank salmon fishery is fished with Courtfield as two beats, (2 rods on Wyebank and 2 rods on Courtfield) and is excellent fly and spinning water. 12 salmon were caught from Wyebank in 2012, including two 15 pounders to fly. This is excellent grilse water when conditions are right and fly fishing for trout has improved in recent years. For a day’s coarse fishing Wyebank is exclusive for one or two anglers. The flow is quite fast for this part of the Wye and this is where Dean Macey and Ali Hamidi had their wonderful bag of barbel in 2011. Combined with the Courtfield beat just upstream, this is a superb location for 5 or 6 anglers to fish together). Access to the river is excellent with nearby parking and a well maintained riverbank. Availability: Up to 2 salmon, trout or coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £25 Trout: £15 Coarse: £20 Additional Details: Dogs allowed under control. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

49 B45 - Seven Sisters - NEW This fishery comprises between 1½ and 2½ miles of double bank salmon fishing (depending on the time of year) a couple of miles upstream of Monmouth. Flowing through a picturesque gorge, it has vehicle access along the entire length of the left bank via an old railway line. It is of mixed wading difficulty, with some great fly and spinning water and including the famous Martins Pool, an historic mid/lower Wye salmon catch. The beat has more than 20 salmon lies and pools in total. At the time of publication the coarse fishing arrangements are still to be confirmed. However, this stretch has also produced the biggest barbel recorded from the Wye in recent years and several others in excess of 12lbs. It also has a history of producing large bags of roach and chub. 30lb+ carp have also caught from Martins Pool. See below for local accommodation.

Availability: Between 4-6 salmon rods per day. Coarse availability tbc. Day ticket price: Salmon £45, Coarse £20 Additional Details: Catch and release for all Species. Dogs allowed under control. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply on both beats.

The Royal Lodge & Hunters Restaurant Symonds Yat East

First class Hunting and Fishing Lodge situated on the banks of the River Wye The perfect location 01600 890 238 www.rhhotels.co.uk

50 B46 - Wyastone Leys

Approximately 1¼ miles of right bank fishing just upstream from Monmouth. Set in a backdrop of rolling farmland and the Forest of Dean (albeit close to the A40), this beat offers a good diversity of water. The top part of the fishery runs through woodland and received considerable clearance and access improvements in early 2011. The bottom half is in open meadowland where the current switches to the far bank and provides excellent coarse fishing opportunities in higher water.

Availability: Up to 4 coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: Coarse: £20 Additional Details: Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

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51 B47 - Cadora Backs - NEW Around ½ mile of left bank lower Wye salmon fishing midway between Wyesham and Bigs- weir. It includes the top part of Cadora Pool, which is first class fly water and fishes best from this bank. The Alders is another well-known pool holding fish along its entire length and in recent years has averaged around 30 fish per season. Cadora and Cadora Backs are opposite banks so booking both would suit a party of up to 4 anglers looking to fish together on a Thursday. In dry weather a 4x4 vehicle can be driven along the length of the fishery. The fishery is let exclusively to one rod with the option of bringing a guest.

Availability: Up to 2 salmon rods on Thursdays only. Day ticket price: £60 - £80 Additional Details: EAW bye-laws must be observed. Catch and release for salmon. Dogs allowed under control.

B48 - Cadora - NEW 1,400 yards of right bank fishing on the lower River Wye, a mile downstream of Redbrook and about three miles above Bigsweir. This part of the river flows through a wooded, steep- sided valley and is where the river’s most prolific salmon fisheries are located. The beat has 5 named pools including the famous Cadora Pool. It receives fresh fish from the tide most days and has good fly and spinning water. Cadora and Cadora Backs are opposite banks so booking both would suit a party of up to 4 anglers looking to fish together on a Thursday. A walkway runs along most of the beat providing easy casting. Wading difficulty is varied, with some deep wading on a largely gravel riverbed with the occasional boulder. Access to the fishing hut is only possible when the ghillie is on site. Availability: Up to 2 salmon rods on Thursdays only. Day ticket price: £60 - £80 Additional Details: EAW bye-laws must be observed. Catch and release for salmon. Dogs allowed under control.

52 Orvis, for all your fly fishing needs.

Trust in our experience ith a nationwide chain of more than 20 company-owned Orvis retail stores, you are never far from the UK’s leading Wfly-fishing and country clothing outfitter. Like you, we are passionate about the sporting lifestyle and fly fishing. In all of our stores you will find staff with a wealth of knowledge and experience of our tackle and fly-fishing opportunities in the locality. We have fully qualified fly-fishing instructors in many of our stores, and their combined experience represents literally hundreds of years on the bank and in the boat.

Our new sporting traditions agency now offers you the chance to experience day rod lettings on the Rivers Test, Itchen, Avon, Nadder, and the Anton, together with the best fly-fishing courses and tuition available in the UK. This year there are more hosted trips with Orvis- Endorsed Guides to some of the finest fishing destinations including Iceland, Bosnia, and Mexico.

For more information about our sporting traditions agency, please contact us on 01264 349515 or e-mail us at [email protected] orvis.co.uk 53 B49 - Upper Bigsweir

Just under ¾ mile of left bank lower Wye fishing, a mile downstream of Redbrook. This part of the river flows through a wooded, steep-sided valley and is where the river’s most prolific salmon fisheries are located. The beat has 5 named pools and has the lower section of the famous Cadora Pool. It receives fresh fish from the tide most days and has good fly and spinning water. The beat also offers coarse fishing outside the salmon season for barbel, chub and pike. The wading difficulty is varied with some croys to fish from in the middle and lower sections. Access to the water in middle and upper section can be difficult due to the steep bank although lad- ders are provided in places. The fishery also has secure, off-road parking. During the salmon season the fishery is let to one rod who has the option of bringing a guest. Availability: Up to 2 salmon or coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £50 March, £60 thereafter - same price for 1 or 2 rods. Coarse: £25 per rod. Additional Details: Dogs permitted but are to be kept under control at all times. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

B50 - Wyesham

2½ miles of prime double bank River Wye salmon fishing, on the border between England and Wales. Set in the beautiful lower Wye valley where the steep wooded banks begin to narrow forming the lower Wye gorge, this lower section of the river below Monmouth benefits from being just above the rivers tidal reaches resulting in it constantly yielding the greatest number of all rod caught salmon on the river. A ghillie is available for this beat every day except Sunday. For further information on season rods and day tickets for this beat, please see the Wye and Usk Foundation website or contact the Booking Office.

Availability: 2013 rod availability to be confirmed. Day ticket price: Salmon: £60 to £85. Additional Details: This beat does not offer a wash-off policy.

54 TRIBUTARIES Trout, salmon and grayling fishing. B51 - Disserth Ithon - Extended For 2013, the Disserth Ithon now comprises of around 3 miles of river, just downstream of Llandrindod Wells. It offers the chance of wild trout, grayling and the occasional chub. A mixture of shale and bedrock, the wading is quite difficult. It is mostly right bank fishing with a 2/3 mile section of double bank towards the middle. A 300 yard section below the Disserth Bridge and around 700 yards of mainly double bank fishing has been added below Llanyre Bridge. This beat offers excellent value given the amount of water now available. Availability: 4 trout or winter grayling rods per day. Day ticket price: £15 Additional Details: EAW Bye-laws apply. Fly fishing only. Catch and release all species. No dogs. This beat was previously a Roving Voucher beat. It is now Booking Office only NOT Wild Streams.

55 B52 - Upper Cammarch Hotel (Irfon)

A little under a mile of left bank river Irfon fishing above Llangammarch Wells in peaceful scenery, mainly consisting of easily waded open gravel flats suitable for dry fly and spiders. By contrast, the upper part of the beat above the junction with the Dulas Brook includes a deep gutter which has produced some superb grayling to heavy nymph tactics.

Availability: Up to 4 trout or winter grayling rods per day. Day ticket price: £15 Additional Details: EAW Bye-laws apply. Catch and release for all species. Fly fishing only. No dogs. This is a Booking Office beat and NOT included in Wild Streams.

B53 - Middle Cammarch Hotel (Irfon)

About 1.2 miles of left bank fishing in classic Irfon valley scenery below the village of Llangammarch Wells. The upper section, which includes part of the Cammarch Brook, gives some varied opportunities for both dry fly and nymph fishing for the trout and large grayling for which this river is known. The lower section, apart from some very fine grayling fishing, also includes several pools capable of producing late season salmon. Availability: Up to 4 trout or winter grayling rods per day. Day ticket price: £15 Additional Details: EAW Bye-laws apply. Catch and release for all species. Fly fishing only. No dogs. This is a Booking Office beat and NOT included in Wild Streams.

56 B54 - Lower Cammarch Hotel (Irfon)

About 1 mile of very varied left bank fishing in one of the quietest parts of the beautiful Irfon valley, between the villages of Llangammarch Wells and Garth. Apart from the chance of an autumn salmon, there is good fishing for grayling and trout by a variety of methods. The beat includes some exquisite dry fly flats and the classic fast-running Irfon gutters suitable for fishing with heavy nymphs.

57 B55 - Llanfechan (Irfon)

Approximately 1 mile of left bank river Irfon fishing, approximately 4 miles from the confluence with the main Wye. Situated amongst the stunning scenery of the Irfon valley, this fishery offers trout and grayling anglers the chance to escape to a very peaceful and secluded part of the upper Wye catchment. Given the right water conditions, there is also the chance of a salmon, especially in the autumn (salmon season extends to Oct 25th on the Irfon). The presence of grayling means that the fishery remains open all year round. A mixture of bedrock and gravel, the wading difficulty varies from easy to very difficult. Access to the water is good with a well-trodden path along the length of the fishery. Availability: Up to 2 rods per day. Day ticket price: £15 Additional Details: 2 fish limit (trout and grayling only). Fly fishing only. No dogs.

B56 - Cefnllysgwynne (Irfon)

Approximately 2 miles of double and 1 mile of single bank fishing on the river Irfon at Llanynis, 4 miles from the confluence with the Wye at Builth Wells. The beat averages 30 yards in width with good access and relatively easy wading for the most part. Cefnllysgwynne offers prime grayling and good trout fishing with the possibility of occasional salmon later in the season. The beat has a handful of season rods so exclusivity for WUF rods is not guaranteed (although no more than 5 rods should be on the water at any one time). Excellent self-catering accommodation in a 2 bedroom (sleeps 4) cottage is available close to the fishing. Please see www.hafod-y-blodau.com for more details or call 01982 551 624.

Availability: Up to 5 rods per day. Day ticket price: £22.50 Additional Details: Catch and release only for all species. Barbless, single hooks only. No lures. Fly fishing only except from 30th October 2012 to 2nd March 2013, when trotting maggot is allowed.

58 B57 - Gofynne (Irfon)

2/3 mile of double bank fishing on the river Irfon, 3 miles from the confluence with the Wye, set in beautiful and secluded surroundings. The beat has excellent access and the wading is relatively easy compared to other areas of the upper Wye system with a mostly gravel river bed. Like other Irfon beats, the river at Gofynne rises and falls quickly after heavy rain and is usually fishable within 24 hours of a flood. Good trout and grayling fishing with the chance of a late season salmon - the salmon season continues on the Irfon until 25th October.

Availability: Up to 3 rods per day (any booking secures the beat exclusively). Day ticket price: £20 Additional Details: Fly fishing only. Catch & release only. No dogs. B58 - Hergest Court (Arrow)

Situated close to the border, a mile or so upstream of Kington, the Herg- est Court beat offers wild brown trout fishing on the upper reaches of the renowned river Arrow. Gently meandering through pasture, the river here has a gravel riverbed, making for easy enough wading. Being small river fishing, the beat is best fished in an upstream direction. With a small brook rod and your thigh waders, put your stealth abilities to the test. Please note that members of the King- ton Fishing Club may also be on the water.

Availability: Up to 2 rods per day. Day ticket price: £15 Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. 2 fish limit.

59 B59 - Mowley Wood (Arrow) - Extended Upstream of Staunton Weir, the Mowley Wood beat is amongst the most magical brown trout fishing available in the Wye catchment. The first two or three hundred yards immediately above Staunton Weir are quite deep and slow, but do hold trout in the summer months. Further upstream the river quickens, flowing over gravel and bedrock. Coppicing and clearance work has enhanced the fishing in recent years and the beat benefited from further work in early 2011. The top of the Mowley Wood beat now ends two weirs upstream doubling the original length of this excellent trout and grayling beat.

Availability: Up to 2 trout rods per day. Day ticket price: £15 Additional Details: EAW Byelaws apply, 2 fish bag limit, Fly fishing only. This beat was previously a Roving Voucher beat. It is now Booking Office only NOT Wild Streams.

B60 - The Leen (Arrow)

This 0.8 mile stretch of double bank river Arrow fishing is available from 1st October to 31st January for its autumn and winter grayling fishing and is ideal for those who enjoy targeting these fish in small to medium sized rivers. Located just upstream of Pembridge, this part of the river gently flows over gravel and the beat is easy to wade (chest waders are strongly recommended). It is suitable for upstream fishing with dries or nymphs and contains plenty of good sized grayling. A limited number of trotting rods are available. Maggots are only to be used in the months of November, December and January.

Availability: Up to 2 rods per day. Day ticket price: £15 Additional Details: Catch & release for all species. No Dogs Allowed.

60 B61 - Lyepole (Lugg)

For those that enjoy trout and grayling fishing on a medium sized river, the Lyepole Fishery is a one mile stretch of double bank river Lugg fishing, situated a few miles upstream of Ames- try. This part of the river meanders through a wonderfully tranquil, steep-sided valley and is an area of the river that has remained private fishing for a number of years. The beat has recently benefited from improved access and coppicing work. With a gravel and silt riverbed, wading is relatively easy. In addition to the trout fishing, Lyepole remains open throughout

the autumn and winter Photo: Guido Vinck. for grayling. There is a private holiday cottage next to the beat that retains the right to fish 1 rod.

Availability: Up to 2 rods per day. Day ticket price: £15 to £25 Additional Details: Catch & release for all species. No dogs. Fly fishing only. B62 - Mortimers Cross - back again Approximately 1.7 miles of mostly double bank river Lugg winter grayling fishing just downstream of Mortimers Cross. This part of the Lugg gently meanders through the scenic Her- efordshire countryside. The beat provides some excellent grayling fishing (plenty of 2lb+ fish) on a medium-sized river and is relatively easy wading on a mostly gravel and silt riverbed.

Availability: October 1st to March 2nd - 3 rods every day. Day ticket price: £15. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. 2 fish limit.

61 B63 - Eyton (Lugg)

Approximately 1.5 miles of mostly double bank trout and grayling fishing on the river Lugg, not far from Leominster. Set in beautiful Herefordshire countryside and with easy access, the Eyton Beat is a fantastic venue for a day’s fishing. Much of this stretch is fishable from the open grass banks (easy wading where necessary) and can be fished with anything from a 7 to 9 foot rod. With two weirs and plenty of meanders, the fish holding features are excellent. Following clearance work in autumn 2011, access to the wooded upper section of the fishery is now possible.

Availability: Up to 2 trout or grayling rods per day. Day ticket price: £20 Additional Details: Fly fishing only. Catch & release only. No dogs.

B64 - Bodenham (Lugg)

Just under a mile of right bank river Lugg fishing near to the village of Bodenham, set in picturesque Herefordshire countryside. The beat is split into two sections, and is characterised by deep pools under overhanging alder and willow. Although this part of the river is more suited to coarse fishing, game fish are present, and good catches of grayling on the float have been reported. The roving approach is likely to be the most productive although there are some excellent swims to be ‘built up’ through the day. Chub are the main quarry but barbel catches are becoming more frequent on the Lugg and they are there to be caught with the right approach, along with dace, trout, perch and some decent pike.

Availability: Up to 2 coarse or fly rods per day. Day ticket price: £10 Additional Details: No dogs. Coarse fishing only 16th June to 14th March. Catch & release of all species. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

62 B65 - Luggsbridge (Lugg)

The Luggsbridge Fishery is a 1 mile section of left Picture courtesy of Steve Lockett www.v2vangling.co.uk bank fishing a few miles up from the confluence with the Wye. This part of the Lugg is known to host good numbers of barbel, including some double figure fish, along with some very large chub (one was reported at approximately 7lbs in 2008). Proof of the kind of fish on offer can be seen from the road bridge during summer flows. Pike to 25lbs have been caught in the Little Lugg, the small stream that joins the Lugg at the top end of the fishery. Dace, roach and perch are all present too. The beat benefited from clearance work in late 2007 and will suit those who like to stalk barbel and chub in smaller rivers, or those looking for a change from the coarse fishing on the main Wye. Availability: Up to 3 rods per day. Day ticket price: £10 Additional Details: No dogs. Coarse fishing only. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

B66 - Abbey Dore Court

This 1.2 mile stretch of the River Dore is widely regarded as some of the finest fishing that this renowned Monnow tributary has to offer. The river here holds good stocks of wild brown trout and grayling, the latter enabling the fishery to remain open all year round. The wading on this small stream is relatively easy over the gravel riverbed. There are, however, some very deep pools so chest waders are required to get the best out of the fishing. This is a private, secluded beat located in the scenic Golden Valley. It also has nearby self catering accommodation at Abbey Dore Court and the gardens to visit: www.abbeydorecourt.co.uk

Availability: Up to 3 rods per day (any booking secures the beat exclusively). Day ticket price: £20 Additional Details: Fly fishing only. 1 fish limit per angler. Dogs are not permitted.

63 B67 - Skenfrith (Monnow)

The Skenfrith beat comprises just under 1 mile of double bank trout and grayling fishing, five or six miles upstream of Monmouth. Gently flowing over silt and gravel, it offers some fantastic dry-fly sport and is relatively easy going for wading. The brown trout are a mixture of wild fish and those stocked by adjacent club waters and the presence of grayling enables the fishing to extend beyond the trout season. The beat has the additional benefit of being next to the famous Bell Inn, a great place to stay or just to enjoy a drink before the evening rise. For more information, see www.skenfrith.co.uk Availability: Up to 2 rods per day. Day ticket price: £20 Additional Details: Fly fishing only. Catch & release for all species. No dogs permitted.

B68 - Monnow Valley

1 mile of right bank fishing on the lower reaches of the Monnow, a few miles upstream of Monmouth. This wonderfully secluded stretch is for the most part a good mixture of riffles and pools, providing some excellent fly fishing for the trout that give this river its reputation as one of the area’s finest. The mayfly hatches can be spectacular, so dry fly fishing is excellent during late spring and early summer. This stretch of the Monnow is also host to a variety of coarse species, including chub, dace and grayling. If wading, the river has a mostly gravel bed so is relatively easy to negotiate. There are, however, deep sections where anglers will need to get back out onto the banks. Chest waders with studded soles are advisable. Availability: Up to 3 trout or coarse rods per day. Day ticket price: £20 Additional Details: Fly fishing only for trout. No spinning or lure fishing for any species. Catch & release for all species. No dogs permitted. Apart from the no spinning rule, standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

64 B69 - River Teme, Bucknell

1.6 miles of double bank wild brown trout fishing on the river Teme. This part of this famous Marches river flows through beautiful Cricket Bat Willow woodland and over a largely gravel river bed. Wading is therefore relatively easy but care should always be taken as the pools are constantly changing following winter floods. Although this part of river can suffer from low flows during a dry summer, the upper Teme is usually a fast paced stream suitable for upstream dry fly and nymph fishing. Relatively open, the stretch is ideal for those who prefer not to tangle with trees and it can even be fished from the bank or from the margins in wellies.

Availability: Up to 3 trout rods. Day ticket price: £15 Additional Details: Fly fishing only. Catch & release only. No dogs.

B70 - River Onny, Stokesay Bridge Beat

Just over ¾ mile of double bank trout and grayling fishing on this small to medium sized Teme tributary. Rising in the Shropshire Hills, the Onny has clean gravels and abundant fly life and is renowned as one of the finest of the county’s trout streams. This stretch has a good variety of characteristics for fly fishers: a relatively deep, slower section above the weir that marks the downstream limit with faster, riffle and pool sequences making up the majority of the beat further upstream. Access to the fishery is excellent with 4 separate parking areas. Wading is relatively easy over a mostly gravel riverbed with occasional sections of bedrock.

Availability: Up to 2 trout or grayling rods daily. Day ticket price: £15 Additional Details: Fly fishing only. 2 fish limit (trout or grayling only). Dogs permitted but must be kept under control.

65 THE RIVER USK Salmon and trout fishing. B71 - Pantysgallog

Predominantly flowing over bedrock, this beautiful and secluded beat covers one mile of the river Usk and one mile of a tributary stream, the Crai. The main river here is small to medium sized with a series of dramatic falls, flats and gutters: typical features of the upper river. Whether dry fly fishing or trundling a nymph through the deeper channels, Pantysgallog has something for every kind of fly fisherman. Some sizeable trout occupy this part of the river (caught to over 4lbs) and there is also a chance for an occasional sewin or salmon given the right water conditions, especially later in the season. Wading is reasonably difficult with felt or felt/stud soles essential. Availability: Up to 3 rods per day. Day ticket price: £15 Additional Details: Fly fishing and spinning for salmon only. Fly fishing only for trout. 1 salmon can be taken per rod when EA bye-laws allow (16th June to 17th Oct). 2 trout per rod can be taken. No dogs permitted. B72 - Cefn Rhosan Fawr

The Cefn Rhosan Fawr beat at Sennybridge provides some fantastic, typical upper Usk fishing. Here you find the quality brown trout that the river is famous for in addition to the occasional sewin and late season salmon. April, May and June are the most productive months for trout. Any rain at the height of summer, however, can lead to a few days of frenetic sport. Dropping temperatures in September along with increased chances of a salmon in early October make late season a good time to try. The river at Sennybridge is medium sized with a variety of different features. The lower sections of the beat are more open, the upstream more shaded. In addition to the main river, this beat also offers some small stream fishing in two tributaries that enter the Usk here: the Senni and Cilieni. Availability: Up to 4 rods per day. Day ticket price: £15 Additional Details: 2 fish limit (salmon and trout when in season and outside mandatory C&R dates). Fly fishing only for trout. No dogs. 66 B73 - Cwm Wysg Ganol

¾ of a mile of right bank upper Usk trout fishing, a mile or so downstream of Sennybridge. This stretch of river is made up of 4 superb pools, including the famous Quarry Pool which is a noted salmon catch. The quality of the brown trout fishing here is excellent; with fish over 3lbs appearing regularly. Where the Cilieni stream enters the main river, known as the Junction Pool, is a particular hot spot for trout, which you could spend all day fishing in itself! With the river flowing over a mixture of gravel and bedrock there is a good variety of features. The ease of wading is also varied, however, so studded soles are advised.

Availability: Up to 4 rods per day. Day ticket price: £15 Additional Details: 2 fish limit (salmon and trout when in season and outside mandatory catch and release dates). Fly fishing only for trout. Dogs allowed under control.

B74 - Trallong & Abercamlais - NEW This fishery comprises just under 1½ miles of mixed single & double bank upper Usk wild brown trout and salmon fishing between Sennybridge and Brecon. It includes the previous Abercamlais Beat with around a mile of extra water added. Flowing over bedrock, with a series of distinctive pools and gutters, the fishery provides good nymph and dry fly fishing. Access to the water is good although the wading is relatively difficult in places and studded soles are essential. The water offers excellent trout fishing a real chance of late season salmon given the right water conditions. The Abercamlais Estate also offers quality self-catering accommodation next to the river - please see:- www.abercamlais.co.uk or email:- [email protected]

Availability: Up to 4 trout rods per day. Day ticket price: Trout and salmon rods £20. Additional Details: Catch & release only. Fly fishing only. No dogs.

67 B75 - Penpont

Situated a few miles above Brecon, Penpont provides some of the best wild brown trout fishing the Foundation has on offer. As is generally the case with the Usk, the fishing is usually better early season with April, May and June being the most productive months. Any rain at the height of summer, however, can lead to a few days of fantastic sport. Penpont also pro- duces the occasional sewin and salmon, again the best chances being late season with a bit of water. There is also self-catering accommodation next to the water. www.penpont.com

Availability: Up to 4 rods per day. Day ticket price: £20 Additional Details: Catch & release only. Fly fishing only. No dogs.

68 B76 - Fenni Fach

The Fenni Fach beat is a wonderful 1.5 mile stretch of mostly double bank fishing just upstream of Brecon. With a series of pools, runs and gutters, it is extremely diverse and provides excellent fishing in very peaceful surroundings. This is predominantly trout fishing with salmon fishing when water conditions are right. Spinning and bait fishing for salmon is possible when permitted by EA byelaws (Spinning 1st June to October 17th, bait 16th June to 15th September). This is not the easiest Usk beat for wading, chest waders with stud or stud/felt soles a must.

Availability: Up to 4 rods per day. Day ticket price: £20 Additional Details: Catch & release for salmon at all times. 2 trout limit per rod. Fly fishing, spinning and bait fishing permitted for salmon as per EAW byelaws. No dogs.

B77 - The Breconshire Fishery

A 1.5 mile stretch of river Usk fishing downstream from Llanfaes Bridge in Brecon. The river here flows over gravel meaning that wading is easier than other parts of the river. Along with some good trout fishing, this stretch also has some decent salmon pools. The wild trout population is also supplemented by occasional stocking.

Availability: Unlimited rods. Day ticket price: £15 Season rods available. Additional Details: Fly fishing, bait & spinning for salmon as per EAW byelaws. Salmon spinners must be no less than 2 inches long. 2 fish limit per rod. NO WASH- OFF POLICY.

69 B78 - Dinas & Abercynrig

This is some of the finest of the middle Usk fishing, offering 1st class opportunities for salmon and trout anglers. There are 5 named salmon pools in this 1½ mile stretch of mostly double bank, one of which is 200 yards or more in length. The trout fishing is exceptional with a good variety of water - dry fly flats, fast riffles and deeper pools. Flowing over gravel for the most part, the wading is relatively easy with only the occasional rock to negotiate. Access to the water is good with vehicular access up to the water’s edge on the right bank where nearly all the fishing is from (unless cattle are present in the field, in which case a short walk is required). This is a private, fly fishing only beat and with a considerable amount of river at your disposal, a full day will be required to cover all the water. Please note that a house rod is reserved by the fishery owner every day.

Availability: Up to 2 rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £40 Trout: £30 Additional Details: Fly fishing only. 1 salmon limit per rod (when byelaws allow), catch & release thereafter. 2 trout limit per rod. No dogs.

B79 - Glanusk Tymawr

This beat is a 2/3 mile stretch of right bank river Usk fishing a couple of miles downstream of Brecon, set with the impressive backdrop of the Brecon Beacons. The beat has great trout fishing throughout its length and also has one of the best salmon pools in this part of the river. There are lots of features – pocket water, gravel glides and deep pools. The wading is difficult over the bedrock sections but easier over the gravel glides.

Availability: Up to 2 trout rods or 1 salmon rod per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £30 Trout: £20 Additional Details: 2 fish limit per rod. Spinning and bait fishing for salmon permitted as per EAW byelaws. No dogs.

70 We stock flies, tackle, accessories, tippets and leaders including hand tied speciality leaders for dry fly and Czech/French Nymphing. We also stock barbless fly tying hooks, tungsten beads and speciality fly tying materials.

Guides choice fly fishing tackle Recommended by professionals

www.guideschoiceflyfishingtackle.co.uk [email protected]

Guides Choice Advert 2012.indd 1 06/01/2012 14:47 B80 - The Canal & River Trust Fishery - NEW Just over ½ mile of Usk salmon and trout fishing in the Llanfrynach area, a few miles downstream from Brecon. The beat is split into 2 sections and is ideal for a single rod or two rods fishing together. The upper section comprises left bank fishing with two known salmon lies while the lower has two named salmon catches: the Ellis and Nicholls Pools. The fishery provides excellent fly fishing opportunities for both salmon and trout. Accessing the lower section from the parking area requires a 500 metre walk along the Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal. The walk to the top section is 200 metres. The riverbed is a mixture of bedrock, gravel and boulders and wading is therefore of mixed difficulty. Chest waders with studded soles are essential.

Availability: Up to 2 salmon or trout rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £30 Trout: £20 Additional Details: 2 fish limit per rod. Spinning and bait fishing for salmon permitted as per EAW byelaws. No dogs.

71 B81 - Ashford House - NEW Ashford House extends for about a mile below Talybont Bridge. This lovely stretch of the Usk is also of some historical interest as John Henderson, who invented many Usk patterns, moved to Ashford House in the 1930s and owned the fishery for many years. Whilst there are some salmon pools (the Chain Pool and Blue Pool), it is better known as a wild trout fishery. The beat enjoys good hatches of fly typical of the Usk and offers a good variety of pools, runs and riffles. As such, the beat lends itself to fishing by a variety of methods and trout exceeding two pounds can be caught here. The wading here is relatively easy over a gravel riverbed and access to the river is good.

Availability: Up to 4 trout rods or 2 salmon rods per day. Day ticket price: Trout rods £20. Salmon rods £25 Additional Details: EAW bye-laws. 1 salmon limit per rod. 2 trout limit per rod. Dogs permitted under control.

B82 - Gliffaes Llandetty - NEW Llandetty is the upstream beat of the Gliffaes Hotel water and provides just under a mile of double bank fishing on the middle Usk. The whole beat provides excellent trout fishing in a gloriously secluded location. In addition, there are three good salmon pools and a couple of other catches. The wading is difficult in places but easier over the gravel sections in the middle of the beat. It is possible to bank fish much of the beat. The fishing is usually reserved for the hotel’s guests although the Foundation can take short-notice day ticket bookings. Availability: March 3rd to October 17th – up to 4 rods available. Day ticket price: Salmon £30 Trout £24. Additional Details: See Gliffaes Website www.gliffaeshotel.com

72 B83 - Buckland South

Although only around 500 yards of single (right) bank fishing, Buckland South has 4 named salmon pools and a lovely variety of water. The slow deep section of the Lower Mill pool provides excellent trout fishing during a rise, and has produced prodigious salmon catches on a falling spate. The shaded, fast, rocky waters below The Mill provide good trout fishing during lower flows and also have two noted salmon catches. Access to the beat has been assisted by a number of steps and walkways but it is still of medium/hard difficulty. The wading is over rock and boulders so studded/felt soles are essential.

Availability: Up to 2 rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £25 Trout: £20 Additional Details: Fly fishing and spinning for salmon (when byelaws allow). 1 salmon and 1 trout limit per rod (outside mandatory C&R dates). Dogs permitted under control.

B84 - Glan-yr-Afon

The Glan-yr-Afon beat is an impressive ¾ mile stretch of right bank river Usk fishing in the Llangynidr area. Set in beautiful surroundings, this beat provides a combination of great trout fishing and some very large salmon pools. This part of the Usk is bedrock dominated so wading is not the easiest. The beat also offers self catering accommodation near the river. Please contact 01874 676446 or see website www. breconcottages.com for details.

Availability: Up to 2 rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon £25. Trout £20 Additional Details: 4 fish limit per rod. Fly, spinning & bait fishing for salmon as per EAW byelaws. Dogs permitted under control.

73 B85 - Gliffaes Home Beat

This beat, owned by the Gliffaes Country Hotel, provides some excellent trout and salmon fishing in beautiful settings. The hotel is also a fantastic place to stay and is ideally situated as a base for most of the fishing available on the Usk via the Passport scheme. The 1 mile of double bank fishing can be tricky wading in places but offers excellent salmon and trout fishing. When hotel guests are not fishing the Foundation can take short-notice day ticket bookings. See opposite page for local accommodation.

Availability: Up to 4 rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon: £30 Trout: £24 Additional Details: See website www.gliffaeshotel.com

74 75 B86 - Glanusk Estate

This beat consists of over 1.5 miles of double bank salmon and trout fishing and is located just upstream of Crickhowell. The Glanusk Estate Fishery offers some classic Usk fishing. It is characterised by a sequence of long salmon holding pools that also provide great dry fly fishing for trout in the flowing runs and the long tails. Access to the fishery is excellent: during dry conditions it is possible to drive along the entire length of the beat. Many of the salmon pools are fishable from the bank and for the most part, the wading is relatively easy- going. If you are wading, however, studded or stud/felt soles are highly recommended. The Estate occasionally stocks to supplement the trout population. For more details please see www.glanuskestate.com or call 01873 810414.

Availability: Up to 6 rods per day. Day ticket price: Salmon £50. Trout £35 Additional Details: Fly fishing and spinning for salmon as per EAW byelaws. 1 salmon per rod can be retained when byelaws allow. 2 trout can be retained per rod. No dogs.

B87 - Dan-y-Parc

The Dan-y-Parc beat comprises 1½ miles of double bank fishing near Crickhowell and is arguably some of the best trout fishing on the middle Usk. This is a very exclusive beat with limited availability and anyone who can ‘escape’ on a Monday is strongly advised to try this water. The access is excellent and wading easy over the gravel riverbed.

Availability: Up to 2 rods Mondays only. Day ticket price: £35 Additional Details: Catch & release for all species. Fishing between 7am and 10pm only. Dogs permitted if kept on a lead at all times.

76 Fishing at The Glanusk Estate The The Estate has 5 miles of private fishing on the River Usk, offering the visiting angler Glanusk wonderful opportunities for both Brown Trout and Salmon. The majority of fishing is within the Park surrounded by the many different Estate species of The Glanusk Oak Collection with over 16 pools from fast rapids to open water. There is a ghillie on hand as and when you need one. Historical features line the river including the private church, the symbolic bridge with a tower and the Fish Stone. (Standing Stone)

Staying at The Glanusk Estate The Estate offers a range of exclusive accommodation including self-catering and fully catered properties all within its 400 acres of private parkland. Penmyarth House has been the home of the Legge-Bourke family for over 200 years. It is a sought after location for fishing and shooting parties as well as exclusive celebrations including weddings. The house is available on an exclusive use basis for parties of up to 15 guests and is fully catered. It sits in its own parkland with formal gardens. If you prefer self catering, there are two cottages to choose from: Garden Cottage is situated next to the original, walled garden and is quiet and cosy. It sleeps four guests in one double bedroom and one twin bedroom and is accessed via the old stable block. For larger groups, Glanusk Lodge offers accommodation for up to 12 guests and is within walking distance from Garden Cottage. The Lodge sits next to the site of the original mansion in Glanusk Park and is surrounded by a walled garden with views over the Park and up to the Black Mountains. There is an open fire in the drawing room with triple aspect views, a separate dining room seating up to 14 guests and a well equipped kitchen with an Aga. If you prefer, full catering can be arranged in both Garden Cottage and Glanusk Lodge. We The Estate Office are also very happy to put together a bespoke Glanusk Park, Crickhowell, Powys NP8 1LP fishing package for you as seen in Trout and Tel: 01873 810414 Salmon Magazine.

77 B88 - Dan-y-Warren

Located between Abergavenny and Crickhowell, the Dan-y-Warren fishery is located in a section of the river that is well known for its exceptional brown trout fishing. The beat also has the junction pool where the Grywne joins the main Usk, a good place to try for salmon given the right water conditions. At 200 yards long, this stretch is ideal for an evening’s fishing. Easy access and wading over the gravel riverbed.

Availability: 1 rod available every day of the week. Day ticket price: £10 Additional Details: Catch & release only. Spinning & bait fishing permitted for salmon as per EAW byelaws. No dogs.

B89 - Glan-y-Cafn

Just over a mile of single and double bank Usk fishing just upstream of Abergavenny. This beat has high quality trout fishing with 3 substantial and productive salmon pools that com- bine to produce salmon at all water heights. All the salmon pools are easily accessed and a 160m long walkway runs alongside one of the best fly runs on the Usk, the pool after which the beat is named. The beat holds an excellent head of trout that average around 1lb and run to much bigger. The streamy water at the top of the beat and around the islands will suit daytime trouting, especially during spring olive hatches, whilst the extensive, wadable glide that forms the lower half of the beat fishes particularly well on summer evenings or whenever there is a hatch of fly. Set in impressive scenery, framed by the Sugar Loaf and Blorenge mountains, and with a gravel bed making for easy if at times deep wading this beat is ideal for a mixed trout/salmon day and is priced accordingly. Availability: Up to 4 rods. Day ticket price: £35 Additional Details: Fly fishing, bait & spinning for salmon as per EAW byelaws. Fly fishing only for trout. EAW byelaws apply with regard to catch and release. 2 trout limit per rod. Dogs allowed under control.

78 B90 - Llanover

The Tyr Afon, Fro Isaf and Bryn beats that constitute this middle Usk fishery provide some of the finest fishing on the river. As well as the excellent wild brown trout fishing, in September 2011 Llanover produced the largest salmon caught in the British Isles that year; a hefty 42lb cock fish shown in the photo below. The fishery provides interesting and varied salmon and trout water. In most years some salmon will take up residence at Llanover in March although the best of the salmon fishing is from April onwards. The banks have easy access and as this part of the river flows mostly over gravel, the wading is relatively easy. Llanover also has a resident ghillie on hand to advise. The fishing is let on a day-per-week season rod basis (contact the Booking Office on 01982 560 788 for details) although some day rods are occasionally available through the season. Availability: To be confirmed. Day ticket price: To be confirmed. Additional Details: Fly fishing, spinning and permitted baits for salmon as per EAW byelaws. Dogs allowed under control.

B91 - Clytha - NEW Details to follow on our website - www.wyeuskfoundation.org

www.thefineartoffishing.com

Limited Edition Fine Art Prints & Photography by Robert Olsen

01242 576 883

79 Genuine fishing lodge and two holiday cottages on the banks of the River Usk to fish for Salmon and Trout on our one mile beat. Short breaks available. Tel: 01873 840207 Mob: 07866 601310 www.swanmeadow.co.uk Pantygoitre Farm, Llanfair Kilgeddin, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. NP7 9BE

B92 - Swanmeadow - NEW Starting at the famous Llwyn corner and running down to Trostrey, this fishery offers good salmon and trout fishing on the lower Usk. It is a relatively long fishery, approximately a mile, with more than ten holding pools. Put together, these are a succession of runs and glides that produce salmon in all heights of water to fly and spinner. The trout fishing is mostly deep wading over gravel, so more of the beat becomes accessible in low water. This is good dry fly fishing water with opportunities to catch off the top throughout the season. The fish are wild, averaging over 1lb. The fishing is from the right bank which suits the right handed trout angler fishing upstream. See above for accommodation details.

Availability: To be confirmed. Day ticket price: To be confirmed. Additional Details: For further information, or to book this beat, please contact Swanmeadow fishery directly (see advert above).

80 B93 - Lower Clytha Half a mile of left bank salmon and trout fishing a few miles below Usk. The beat has 5 named salmon pools and fishes well in most water heights with both fly and spinner. Chest waders are essential to get the best out of the fishing but the wading is relatively straightforward over a gravel riverbed. There is also some excellent trout fishing to be had, with fish to 3.5 lbs caught in recent years. The largest salmon in the last five years was a 32 lb cock fish. The Usk Way runs alongside the beat which is popular with walkers. There is, however, a specific area for dog swimming outside the beat boundaries.

Availability: 2012 rod availability to be confirmed. Day ticket price: Salmon and trout: £25 per rod. Additional Details: Fly fishing, spinning and permitted baits for salmon as per EAW byelaws. EAW byelaws apply with regards to catch & release. 2 fish limit for trout. Dogs allowed under control.

B94 - Chainbridge (Pont Kemys) Just under a mile of mostly double bank mid/lower river Usk salmon and trout fishing, a few miles upstream of Usk town. This is a rare chance to fish a very exclusive part of the river on a day ticket. The beat has 6 named pools with the Rock Pool probably being the best of the salmon lies. The two pools at the downstream limit, the Oak and the Barn, also provide good trout fishing. Access to the fishery is excellent with a private car park next to the water. Wading in this part of the Usk is relatively easy over the gravel riverbed. Availability: Up to 3 salmon or trout rods daily. Day ticket price: Salmon: £45. Trout: £25 Additional Details: Fly fishing, spinning and permitted baits for salmon as per EAW byelaws. EAW byelaws apply with regards to catch & release. Fly fishing only for trout. 2 fish limit for trout.

81 THE RESERVOIRS

B95 - Usk Reservoir

A few miles from the source of the river Usk, this remote upland 280 acre reservoir is set amongst forest and moorland in the Brecon Beacons National Park. It is regarded as one of the best stillwater trout fisheries in Wales with fly fishing, spinning and worm fishing all permitted (the western end of the water is fly fishing only). The wild brown trout population is supplemented with stocking of browns and rainbows. For fly fishermen, standard reservoir nymphs and lures are recommended. Only private boats are permitted on the water with prior permission from Welsh Water. Please contact the Booking Office for information on season rods 01982 560788. Season: 1st March to 31st October. Daily Fishing Times: Start 8am, finish 7-9pm, depending on month. Day ticket prices: 6 fish day - £17.00 OAP day - £16.30 4 fish day - £14.30 Adult and Child - £17 Junior 2 fish day - £7.80 Additional Details: No lead weights from 0.06g (no.8 shot) to 28.4g (1oz) are permitted. B96 - Beacons Reservoir

This small wilderness reservoir (52 acres) is the highest of three at the head of the Taff Val- ley. It is mostly a wild brown trout fishery although a few large rainbows still remain from previous stocking. Good quality rainbows are also introduced during the year. This is a fly fishing only water where small, imitative patterns are usually the most successful. No boats are available or allowed on the reservoir and access to the banks is good. Season: 20th March to 17th October. Daily Fishing Times: Start 8am, finish 7-9pm, depending on month. Day ticket prices: 6 fish day - £11.00 OAP 6 fish day - £10.50 4 fish day - £9.30 Adult and Child - £11 Junior 2 fish day - £5.00 Additional Details: Fly fishing only. Bank fishing only. 82 B97 - Cantref Reservoir

The 2nd of the three Taff Valley reservoirs, Cantref is surrounded by coniferous forest and therefore offers more shelter than its Beacons neighbour. This is also a fly fishing only water for the stocked rainbow trout and wild browns. Recent improvements to the paths and casting areas have made access easier. The reservoir also has good parking. Small lures are more popular at Cantref than at Beacons, although nymphs and buzzers can be equally as effective. Please contact the Booking Office for information on season rods 01982 560788. Season: 1st March to 31st October. Daily Fishing Times: Start 8am, finish 7-9pm, depending on month. Day ticket prices: 6 fish day - £17.00 OAP 6 fish day - £16.30 4 fish day - £14.30 Adult and Child - £17 Junior 2 fish day - £7.80 Additional Details: Fly fishing only. Bank fishing only. No fishing from the dam wall and overflow. B98 - Llwyn On Reservoir

This 150 acre reservoir is the largest of the Taff reservoirs. It is a favourite amongst local anglers and is a fly, spinner and worm fishing venue. Regularly stocked from Dwr Cymru’s rearing unit, the trout are larger than those caught at Beacons and Cantref, the record rainbow being over 13lbs and the best brown of 10lb 4oz. Llwyn On is a scenic water, set in mixed woodland, and has good access and toilet facilities. Season: 1st March to 31st October. Daily Fishing Times: Start 8am, finish 7-9pm, depending on month. Day ticket prices: Llwyn Onn (one off discount for 2013 season) 6 fish day - £15.00 OAP 6 fish day - £14.30 4 fish day - £10.00 Adult and Child - £17 Junior 2 fish day - £5.00 Additional Details: Fly, spin and worm fishing. Bank fishing only. No lead weights from 0.06g (no.8 shot) to 28.4g (1oz) are permitted. No fishing from the dam wall, overflow, feeder streams or conservation area on the north east bank. 83 B99 - Talybont Reservoir

Set in a heavily wooded steep sided valley in the Brecon Beacons, Talybont is a 318 acre brown trout wilderness reservoir. It is predominantly a wild trout fishery with annual stocking of browns to supplement the native fish. Fishing is fly only and only permitted from the bank. Floating lines with small imitative and traditional patterns such as the Coch-y-bonddu are recommended. The ranunculus beds near the crumbling bridge pillars are renowned for being a good spot. Please contact the Booking Office for information on season rods 01982 560788. Season: 20th March to 17th October. Daily Fishing Times: Start 8am, finish 7-10pm, depending on month. Day ticket prices: Full day: £12 (6 fish limit) Concessionary: £11 (6 fish limit) Additional Details: Fly fishing only. Bank fishing only. No fishing from the dam wall and overflow. B100 - Llandegfedd Reservoir

One of the best known Welsh reservoirs, this 434 acre water is set in rolling landscape near to the towns of Pontypool and Usk. The fishery is heavily stocked with rainbow trout but also holds some browns. Fishing is fly only and available from both the bank and from boats (please note that those wanting to boat fish must contact the reservoir direct on 01291 673 722). Lures, nymphs and dries all work well at various times of the year. Coarse fishing is also available on Llandegfedd – please go to www.wyeuskfoundation.org or telephone the Booking Office for more details. Please contact the Booking Office for information on season rods 01982 560788. Season: 1st March to 31st October. Daily Fishing Times: Start 8am for bank fishing, finish as advertised on site. Day ticket prices: 6 fish day - £19.00 OAP 6 fish day - £18.00 4 fish day - £16.00 Adult and Child - £17 Junior 2 fish day - £8.80 Coarse fish day - £7.50 OAP/Junior Coarse day - £6.50 Additional Details: Fly fishing only for trout. Bank fishing bookings only via WUF.

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B101 - Wentwood Reservoir

Wentwood is a 42 acre Victorian reservoir, located amongst rolling wooded hills a few miles from Chepstow and Newport. With far reaching views over the Severn Estuary, it is a stunning place to spend time fishing for the hard fighting rainbow trout, which are stocked weekly. There is also a healthy population of wild brown trout and the Welsh record stillwater brown trout was caught here in 1990, weighing an impressive 18lbs 12oz. Foot access is possible around the entire reservoir - the banks are gently sloping and grass covered. Wading is permitted but care must be taken as the banks drop away quickly into deep water in places. A selection of 2-person boats are available at an additional cost of £14 per boat per day. Instructions on how to book can be found in the reservoir’s fishing hut. Photo: Steve Garrington NOTE: If fishing from a boat you must provide your own lifejacket which must be worn at all times. Season: 1st March to 31st October. Daily Fishing Times: Start 7am, finish 1 hour after sunset. Day ticket prices: Prices To be confirmed. Additional Details: Fly fishing only. No fishing from the dam wall. No dogs. 85 The Hidden Lakes

A section of the Passport dedicated to private and secluded stillwaters offering wild fishing for trout and a variety of coarse species.

B102 - Llyn Bugeilyn

Those that read the angling press will have seen features on trout fishing on wild upland lakes, tucked away in the rugged geology of the more remote areas of the UK. This is just such a stillwater, sitting in moorland at about 1,700 feet above sea level. Its 45 acres offer truly wild fishing for the unique black finned trout of Bugeilyn, which average around half a pound. Daily catches of twenty of these extremely hard fighting wild brownies are not uncommon. There is a track down to the lake but this has deteriorated in the past couple of years and is now accessible only with a 4x4. Anglers without such vehicles will need to park up by the road and walk the 2.2 miles down to the lake. Season: 3rd March to 30th September. Availability: Day ticket price: £15 Additional Details: Fly fishing only. Catch & release only. No dogs. Bank fishing only if booking via WUF.

86 B103 - Pant-y-Llyn

Set in remote and stunning surroundings, a few miles south of Builth Wells, this 8 acre upland lake offers anglers the chance to catch hard fighting wild carp. Pant-y-Llyn is prone to heavy weed growth so it is best suited to either surface baits or stalking the gravel margins. Weed raking is permitted, and does bring fish in if done quietly. The deeper water in the northern corner usually stays clear all year. Season: 16th June to 14th March. Availability: 4 rods available every day. Day ticket price: £10 Additional Details: No night fishing or overnight camping. No groundbait. No keep nets and all fish to be returned to the water unharmed. Otherwise, standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

B104 - The ‘Trout Pool’ - Moccas Estate

Located in the village of Bredwardine, between Hereford and Hay on Wye, is a hidden 1 acre pool known as the ‘Trout Pool’. Set in a dip in the rolling countryside, close to the River Wye, this is a stunning location to spend the day. Reports suggest the pool contains rudd in good numbers, along with tench and some wild carp, although numbers of these fish are yet to be established. As feedback is received throughout the season, further information will be available by checking the website or contacting the Booking Office.

Season: 1st April to 31st October. Availability: Up to 2 rods per day. Day ticket price: £15 Additional Details: Float fishing only. Dogs permitted but are to be kept under control at all times. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

87 B105 - Trelough Pool - Whitfield Estate

One of several lakes on the Whitfield Estate set in the beautiful rolling Herefordshire countryside. Although shallow, this 4 acre lake provides plenty of cover for the carp that live here – they can be seen cruising around on a hot summer’s day and due to the depth of water along with the silty bottom, are easily spotted when feeding. Access to the water’s edge is not possible around the entire lake but there are large, clear areas with ample room from which to fish. You must fish from the clear areas provided and not venture through the undergrowth, disturbing the wildlife of the lake. What fish, their size, and their numbers, is currently relatively unknown – feedback from your experience here is very important in sustaining access to this beautiful and exclusive fishing location, so please use the online catch return form to let us know how you get on. Season: 1st April to 31st October. Availability: Up to 3 coarse rods. Day ticket price: £15 Additional Details: Dogs allowed under control. Standard WUF coarse fishing rules apply.

B106 - Fedw Pool - NEW

Nestled in a wooded valley near the source of the Angiddy stream, The Fedw pool is a tranquil and mature water of about 3/4 acre. Being spring/stream fed it has a good inflow of water all year round, and ranges in depths up to 20ft at the dam end. Resident in the crystal clear water are wild brown trout and ‘not-too-regularly’ stocked, hard fighting rainbows of 2lbs and upwards. The area is rich in fly life and anglers prepared to stalk with natural imitations should be rewarded. You must take your first Rainbow (all browns to be returned), with the option to return fish thereafter

Season: All year round. Availability: 2 individuals or up to a party of 3 rods. 7 days a week. Owner retains house rods, however when WUF rods are present no more than 3 anglers should be on the pool at any one time. Day ticket price: £20 to fish -1 st Rainbow must be retained. C&R thereafter or fish can be retained and weighed in the hut at £2.50 per lb.

88 B107 - Llyn Gwgia - NEW

Set on the Gregynog Hall Estate, is a secluded 25 acre Victorian reservoir situated amongst the rolling hills of the Montgomeryshire countryside - it is a wonderful location to spend time fishing for the healthy population of wild brown trout that live here. Famous for its hospitality and accommodation, Gregynog Hall has expansive gardens and friendly tea rooms which are well worth a visit. There is foot access around most of the reservoir and wading is possible well out from the bank. However, you should proceed with caution and we advise the use of a wading stick at all times. Fishing is only permitted from a boat in the top bay. The boat house offers more than adequate shelter in inclement weather, and along with cooking facilities and an eating area, allows for very comfortable camping if desired. Enquiries should be made directly to Gregynog Hall beforehand - 01686 650224. Season: 1st April to 17th October. Availability: Up to 2 x Anglers in 1 Boat with 1 x Bankside Angler or 2 x Bankside Angers only. Day ticket price: Individual bank angler £20. Boat + 2 anglers £50 Additional Details: EAW byelaws apply and it is the angler’s responsibility to be aware of these. Fly fishing only. Dogs allowed under control. Fishing is from dawn until dusk. 2 fish may be retained. 89 Wild Streams

ne result of the Foundation’s habitat How to fish the Wild Stream beats work has been the development O Advance Bookings of new fisheries in remote and unspoilt For those who like to secure their fishing, upland areas. These rivers and their occu- the Wild Stream fisheries are available pants offer an escape back to the essence to pre-book online at www.wyeusk- of fly fishing. foundation.org/fishing/booking_office/ In 2013, nearly all the fishing that made wild_streams or over the telephone (01982 up what was previously called the “Roving 560 788). Once you have booked, you Voucher Scheme” is now part of our new will be emailed your day ticket, along with “Wild Streams” section. The old Roving maps, directions etc. Unlike other Booking Voucher Scheme was created in 2003 Office beats, however, you book the whole with support from a post Foot and Mouth beat (rather than individual ‘rods’). This disease fund, Adfywio, to kick start rural means that the beat is exclusively yours tourism. It was popular with many anglers for the day, enabling you to fish just by because it enabled them to go fishing at a yourself or with a friend for no additional moment’s notice, without the need to con- cost. Please note the maximum number tact anyone. However, the scheme proved of anglers per booking is two. Like Book- costly to administer, was prone to abuse ing Office beats, pre-bookings on the Wild and was unpopular with many owners. In Streams can be made by anyone i.e. you addition, it wasn’t popular with the con- do not need a Season Permit to do so. siderable number of anglers who prefer to Wild Stream Season Permits secure their fishing in advance. One of the main features of the Wild The new Wild Streams is the best of both Streams is that they cannot be booked on worlds. It is a system that enables ad- the day. In fact, bookings for any particular vance booking while at the same time re- day cease at 6pm the day before. Those taining the ‘roving’ element of the previous beats that haven’t been pre-booked are scheme. Please note that some beats that then available only to those in possession were in the Roving Voucher Scheme have of a Wild Stream Season Permit, who are become Booking Office beats in 2013. free to roam and fish any of them. Season These are the two Clochfaen beats, the Permits can be bought from the Founda- Cammarch Hotel water, The Disserth Ithon tion for £75 (or £40 for Under 17s). and Mowley Wood on the Arrow.

90 A list of beats available for each day is time please understand that these beats shown on our website: www.wyeuskfoun- are situated on farming land so apart from dation.org/fishing/wild_streams instances where there are roads or clearly marked footpaths, anglers should never This list is viewable only by Season Permit wander far from the course of the river. holders entering their username and pass- word. Alternatively, permit holders can find In 2013 all Wild Stream catch returns will out what beats are available for the day enter a monthly prize draw to win a selec- by calling us on 01982 560 788. The list of tion of small streams flies kindly donated available beats could be long so please by Guides Choice Fly Fishing have an idea of where you would like to (www.guideschoiceflyfishingtackle.co.uk). fish before calling us. In addition to important catch information, this gives us instant feedback on any ac- Once Season Permit holders have se- cess issues. lected a beat to fish they must display the Car Pass section of their permit in their Our band of volunteers have been out over car window. This will tell any other Permit the winter clearing beats and improving holders that someone has beaten them to access. Most of their work will take place it and they must find another beat - there before the trout season starts but the team are plenty to choose from! can also be mobilised should any issues arise later in the year. Please let us know The beats are extremely varied so please of anything you come across but bear in read the individual descriptions carefully mind, streams will always be more over- to ensure you know what to expect. You grown in July and August! We would like will find a great diversity of characteristics to take this opportunity to thank the vol- - open to overgrown, fast and shallow to unteers involved. It is crucial for the whole deep and meandering, easy wading beats Wye & Usk fishery that these streams are to those best suited to a mountain goat! open to visiting anglers. The importance What we do promise is that they all hold of these fisheries to the overall health of a catchable wild brown trout and, in some river system (providing incentives for own- cases, grayling. ers to protect nursery streams) is acknowl- When you have finished a beat and are re- edged widely within fishery conservation. turning to your car, fly fishers should keep a For more information on the Wild Streams reasonable distance from the water to allow please call us on 01982 560 788 or see fish to settle for any anglers behind them (or our website: www.wyeuskfoundation.org should you want another go). At the same 91 Fly Fishing Small Rivers

Oliver Burch, fly fishing instructor, on how to get the best out of fishing small streams.

mall stream fishing, which usually tan or rusty-brown Klinkhammers tied on Sinvolves a good long walk in delightful size 16 hooks (a small Adams would do scenery, teaches the angler to become a just as well if you prefer), a few little Black minimalist. Gnats and Gold Bead Hare’s Ear nymphs in sizes 14 and 16, to be selected depend- Start by discarding everything which you ing on the strength of flow. I also carry don’t actually need to carry. Anything some Deer’s Hair Emergers in size 14 longer than a 7 foot rod will be a real and 16 to cater for those rare occasions hindrance under the trees. You will need when a prominent wing is required, a few a reel weighing about 3.5oz to balance Foam Beetles to try on trout feeding under it and a floating line of about 3 weight, bushes, and Pink Shrimps for holes where which might as well be double-tapered grayling are to be found. Only where may- because you will not be casting for dis- fly can be expected would I carry a few tance. A short leader which can be cast appropriate imitations, plus some heavier accurately will be a lot less trouble than a tippet nylon to present the larger fly prop- long one. Try a 5 foot section cut from a erly. Licence, fly floatant, tippet degreaser, tapered leader needle-knotted to the main nylon snips and forceps for unhooking, line and ended by a mini-ring, followed by plus a small wooden net, complete the about 2 feet of 6X tippet. Carry a spool of requirements. tippet material in your pocket, because it will likely be tangled up in vegetation and Is a net necessary? Most trout in brooks changed several times during the day! are small enough to be brought to hand, but there are occasional exceptions and One little box of flies will be quite enough - quite a number of Wild Stream beats have small stream trout are opportunists, rarely recorded trout and grayling to 18 inches fussy about exact imitations if they aren’t or so. The last time I was tempted to leave spooked and the fly is presented in the the net in the car, as luck would have it I right place. Stick to small, dull, generalist found myself with the little rod bent double patterns in which you have confidence. and connected to a 16 inch trout lunging I fish a dry fly on brooks for most of the down to reach nearby tree roots in a deep season, so my own box contains plenty of hole! 92 Photo: Luke Bannister

Fly-fishing a small stream is in some ways first few trout come up to the dry fly and a microcosm of fishing on larger rivers, you start to hear: “How interesting…I but the challenges and pleasures are wonder if one is there…oh yes!” The pro- multiplied. Out on the main Wye or Usk cess becomes more and more absorb- you can be busy all day on a couple of ing. After a day of it, most of us become pools, but walking up a couple of miles hopelessly addicted. of brook you may deal with fifty miniature Flexibility is key to the Wild Streams Sec- pools one after the other, each of them tion which includes a variety of waters and presenting opportunities and problems to different characteristics. Do pay attention be solved. to the guiding notes and feed back your The essential charm of this fishing lies in experience to the Foundation after fishing. taking the time to solve these problems, You will usually be proceeding upstream sitting down and looking at the water now and trout at close quarters are easily and then, trying to work out where the fish spooked; the first or second cast will give lie and how they might be taken. you the best chance at each fish, after which it is normally best to move on. The lesson that a fish on station needs access to both food supply and cover from If fishing via a Wild Stream Season Permit, predators gradually becomes instinctive. the presence of a car on a designated The angler begins to get a feel for how far parking spot indicates that another angler to stand off, how closely he can approach is already on the beat. If so, select one of to fish, and how to take cover. Fishing the other beats available that day – small on tiny brooks, I would argue, will teach streams always take a day to recover once you more about the quarry and its envi- an angler has been through them. ronment than any other branch of game Last but not least, please respect fences angling. and livestock, and the farmers and land Newcomers who might already be good owners who have made this fishing avail- fly-fishers in more open spaces, often able to us. start off with tangles in trees. An hour or two more to get the casting eye in, the 93 The Upper Wye, Ithon and Irfon Photo: Dougal Ziegler

et in wonderfully remote Sand rugged scenery, the upper Wye and its tributaries offer some of the most inspiring trout and grayling fishing available through the Passport scheme. Located in the heart of Wales, these rivers offer a variety of characteristics from the open, gravel bedded stretches of the main stem and the river Ithon, to the more bedrock dominated Irfon. With the exception of the Ithon, these rivers are also often fishable when high water is affecting the rest of the catchment, rising and falling quickly and remaining clear in all but the worst of floods.

94 W1 - Ty-Mawr

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 1 The furthest upstream of the Wye fishing, this 1 mile+ beat flows over a mostly gravel riverbed and is relatively easy wading. The beat holds trout and grayling of a decent average size but with little tree cover, the river here has more of a highland character and offers sparse cover when the wind is up. In low dry conditions the water is crystal clear and stealth is required when approaching the pools. This is often the first part of the catchment to become fishable after flood.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout, Grayling. Season: All year (grayling fishing continues outside the trout season). Ideally fished with: 7.5 – 8.5ft, 2 - 5wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. Catch & release of all species.

W2 - Rhayader Angling Association Water

From the late season salmon fishing on the Wye, the wild brown trout, grayling and coarse fishing on the Wye, Marteg and Elan to stillwater fisheries in the Elan Valley Reservoirs and Llyngwyn, these waters provide a spectacular and comprehensive choice to the visiting fisherman. To gain access to any of the Rhayader Angling water you must first obtain a day or season permit from Daisy Powell at the Newsagents on West Street in Rhayader (01597 810 451). The Newsagents is very easy to find: approaching the town from the south, turn left at the monument onto the B4518 and it is a hundred yards or so, on your left. Maps will be issued on buying a permit. Full details of the fisheries available and prices for RAA waters in 2013 can be found at: www.rhayaderangling.co.uk The Elan Valley reservoirs.

95 W3 - The Clywedog

Booking Price: £7.50 Wading difficulty: 2 Rising in the heart of the Radnor Forest and joining the Ithon at Crossgates, this discreet stream has benefited from being one of the first tributaries to be restored by the Foundation and now offers some fast improving trout fishing. This small sized river has 1¼ miles of fishing available.

Species Present: Wild Brown Trout, Grayling. Season: 3rd March to 30th September. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 8ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. 2 trout bag limit. Fly fishing only.

W4 - Tyllwyd (Ithon)

Booking Price: £7.50 Wading difficulty: 2 Approximately 1.3 miles of single and double bank fishing on the small sized River Ithon. Following the road for some of its length, most of this stretch of river meanders through peaceful, open farmland and short, wooded sections. The road section holds good numbers of trout and grayling, but caution must be taken when wading here as the pools are very deep. The beat is ideal for one or two anglers looking to escape for a quiet day’s fly fishing for trout and grayling and has also benefited from coppicing. With a gravel riverbed, wading is relatively easy on the rest of the beat.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout, Grayling. Season: All year (grayling fishing continues outside the trout season). Ideally fished with: 7 to 8ft, 3 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: Catch and release only. No dogs. Fly fishing only.

96 W5 - The Upper Irfon

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 3 Just north of the spa town of Llanwrtyd Wells is the 2½ miles + of single and double bank fishing that comprises the Upper Irfon Beat. Flowing through one of the most picturesque valleys in the upper Wye system, this is an improving wild trout fishery with grayling now starting to appear in this part of the river.

Species present: Brown Trout, Grayling. Season: 3rd March to 30th September. Ideally fished with: 7 to 8ft, 2 to 5wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Catch & release of all species. Fly fishing only.

W6 - The River Cammarch

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2-4 The Cammarch fishing is made up of one large beat, some 3¾ miles long, with two starting points. The upper reaches of the beat are classic upland stream, fast flowing over rock and gravel, while below Beulah the river is, for the most part, relatively slow and meandering. Expect some feisty wild brownies to give you a good tussle on light fly gear. Wading is necessary for most of the beat and varies in difficulty.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: March 3rd to September 30th. Ideally fished with: 7 to 8ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: 2 trout bag limit per day. Fly fishing only. No dogs.

97 W7 - Aberbwtran

Booking Price: £12.50 Wading difficulty: 2-4 A wonderfully secluded 2/3 mile stretch of left bank river Irfon fishing, just downstream of Garth. The river here is a mixture of gravel runs and bedrock gutters, making for a good variety of wading and fishing conditions. In addition to the trout, grayling and chub are also present enabling the fishery to remain open all year round. Species present: Wild Brown Trout, Grayling, Chub. Season: All year round (grayling fishing extending beyond 30/9). Ideally fished with: 7 to 8.5ft, 3 to 5wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only - 2 fish catch limit (trout or grayling).

W8 - The Duhonw, Dol-Llyn-Wydd Beat

Booking Price: £7.50 Wading difficulty: 2-4 The Duhonw is an attractive trout stream running into the Wye close to Builth Wells. The trout populations have benefited from habitat work by the Foundation. The Dol-Llyn-Wydd Beat is an interesting stretch of water well suited for those less experienced in small stream fishing. Once you walk up past the overgrown first few yards, the river opens out and it is much easier to get a cast away. There are then a number of key pools separated by lengthy shallow riffles. These pools hold trout of over a pound although the average size for this beat (and for the Duhonw as a whole) is more

like 6 to 8oz. The last 500 yards above the road Photo: Luke Bannister bridge runs through a steep sided gorge where the wading is harder. Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept (inc). Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 2 to 3wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. 2 trout bag limit.

98 The River Edw

teeped in history, it is easy to lose yourself in the magical Edw valley. Folklore has it Sthat Prince Llewelyn, the last Welsh Prince of Wales, hid in the caves at Aberedw in 1282 before escaping the forces of Edward I by turning the shoes on his horse the wrong way round, eventually being slain near the River Irfon. Whatever the legend, the valley’s history is evident through the numerous castles and earthwork fortifications, many of which are still visible today. The Edw has been one of the most popular small rivers in the Passport scheme. With around 5 miles of water to fish, it offers a good variety of water. The Aberedw and Hergest beats flow over bedrock making them a fairly difficult wade but providing some fantastic pools and glides whereas the upper two beats, Cregrina and Hundred House, run through farmland and are more leisurely and meandering.

99 W9 - The Edw, Hundred House

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 3 The furthest upstream of the Edw fishing, the river at Hundred House has a slower, more meandering character than the rocky sections of river further downstream. Although the river is small, there are some very deep pools that hold surprisingly large trout. The silt and gravel riverbed means the beat benefits from some good mayfly hatches. In addition, the wading is relatively easy, however, because of the size of the stream here, a surreptitious approach is essential.

Season: 3rd March to 30th September (inc). Species Present: Wild Brown Trout. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 8ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. 2 trout bag limit. Fly fishing only. Photo: Jeremy Atkinson

W10 - The Edw, Cregrina

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 3 The Cregrina beat comprises just over 1½ miles of double and single bank fishing, ending at the bridge that marks the start of the Hundred House fishing. Half way up the Cregrina Beat the Edw changes in character quite markedly. The first half mile flows over bedrock, giving some rocky pools and fast water. Once upstream of Cregrina, however, the Edw is slower with the appearance of a lowland stream. Again, the beat is quite tricky to wade in places. This beat is catch & release only and anglers are required to use barbless hooks.

Season: 3rd March to 30th September (inc). Species Present: Wild Brown Trout. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 8ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Barbless hooks only. Fly fishing only.

Photo: Jeremy Atkinson

100 W11 - The Edw, Hergest

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 3 A one mile stretch of double bank fishing that ends at Hergest Falls, which in high water is one of the great places to see ascending salmon and trout in November and early Decem- ber. The beat flows over rock and gravel, offering some classic upland stream trout fishing.

Season: 3rd March to 30th September (inc). Species Present: Wild Brown Trout. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 8ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Bag limit of 2 trout. Fly fishing only. Anglers to progress upstream Hergest Falls when fishing. marking the end of the Beat.

W12 - The Edw, Aberedw

Booking Price: £12.50 Wading difficulty: 3 The furthest downstream of the Edw fishing, the Aberedw beat is split into 2 sections, making up nearly 1¾ miles of mostly double bank fishing. Flowing over bedrock, this is true mountain stream fishing - tricky wading in places but a variety of water conditions with good numbers of wild brown trout ready to give a great scrap on light tackle.

101 W13 - The Clettwr

Booking Price: £12.50 Wading difficulty: 4 As the name suggests (Clettwr is derived from the Welsh for ‘rough water’), this stream is an interesting mix of gorges, riffles, pools and minor falls. The Clettwr runs off the slopes of Cefn Clawdd and enters the Wye at Erwood, 7½ miles south of Builth. For its size it holds a good population of trout and benefits from two Foundation fish-passes. This is real mountain stream fishing and a challenge to the most hardy. It can be, however, extremely rewarding to those willing to try! Pure escapism, you won’t know the joys of this stream until you have fished it. Go with a small brook rod and be prepared for a climb. Photo: Adam Fisher

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept (inc). Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. 2 trout bag limit.

W14 - The Llynfi Dulas, Middle Beat

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2 The middle Llynfi Dulas beat is over 1 mile of fishing extending upstream from Tregunter Farm, finishing at Pont-y-Bat bridge. Although it is possible to fish this beat in thigh waders, chest waders are really required to get the best out of the fishing. Watch out for the pool where the Triffrwd Brook joins - you might want to check the strength of your leader before casting a nymph into its shadowy depths!

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th September. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. 2 fish bag limit. Photo: Paul Reddish

102 W15 - The Llynfi Dulas, Lower Beat

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2 The lower beat starts at the confluence with the Llynfi itself, finishing 1¼ miles upstream at Tregunter Farm. Most of its length was coppiced in 2006 and has benefited from further clearance in early 2011. After a short, overgrown section of single (right) bank from the start up to beyond the caravan park, the beat opens out and is double bank fishing thereafter.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th September. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. 2 fish bag limit.

W16 - Pontithel (Llynfi)

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 3 Approximately ¾ of a mile of double bank fishing on the river Llynfi, 2 miles upstream of the confluence with the river Wye. This part of the river is wide and fast flowing, over a gravel and boulder river bed. Being not far from the main river it holds a variety of fish species, but trout and grayling are the main quarry, with some very large fish present. Access to the river is easy and the wading straight forward, although felt/studded soles are necessary to navigate the stretch safely. There are some large trees occupying some of the pools along this stretch, they have been washed down during high flows. Although tricky to fish around at times, they create excellent cover for fish and should not be ignored.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout, Grayling. Season: All year (grayling fishing continues outside trout season). Ideally fished with: 7 - 8ft, 3 - 4wt rod. Additional Details: One fish limit. No dogs. Fly fishing only.

103 W17 - The Garren

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 4 Approximately half a mile of the River Garren, upstream from its confluence with the River Wye. The lower section of the beat below Old Forge weir is mostly fast water over a gravel riverbed - deeper and slower water is found as you venture upstream. All the usual Wye fish species are present in this delightful stretch of river, but it is the trout and grayling that will at- tract the fly angler. Wading is easy, but care should be taken in the deep channels upstream of the weir as they are deep and silty in places.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout, Grayling. Season: All year (grayling fishing continues outside trout season). Ideally fished with: 6 to 7ft, 2 to 3wt rod. Additional Details: Catch & Release of all species. No dogs. Fly fishing only.

104 The Rivers Lugg and Arrow

oth rivers begin life in the heart of Pinsley Brook, which has been described Bthe Radnorshire Forest, flowing in as ‘the nearest thing to a chalk stream in an easterly direction to begin with. The Herefordshire’. All the stretches provide Lugg is joined by the Arrow just south of exciting brown trout fishing while the Leominster, before continuing south to the Court of Noke, Eardisland, Arrow Mill and confluence with the main Wye, a few miles Monkland beats on the Arrow and the downstream of Hereford. Middlemoor beat of the Lugg also have There are twelve Wild Stream beats to populations of grayling. More Lugg and try on these two wonderful rivers in 2013. Arrow fishing is available via the Booking Amongst them is a tributary named the Office.

105 W18 - The Lugg - Pilleth Beat

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 1 The Pilleth Beat is a 1½ mile section of upland stream, set in the hills of the Radnor Forest. This was the site of Owain Glyndwr’s famous victory over the English army of Sir Edmund Mortimer in 1402. The battlefield is said to be on the slopes of Bryn Glas, immediately to the north of the river. Double bank fishing throughout, the silt and gravel riverbed makes for relatively easy wading. The size of the stream requires some accurate casting into tight areas but overall the beats provides some stunning small river trout fishing that will rival any other in the Passport scheme. For those requiring local accommodation, Pilleth Oaks provide WTB 4 star Bed and Breakfast - 01547 560 272. www.pillethoaks.co.uk

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. Catch & release only.

W19 - The Lugg - Litton Beat

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 1 This 1¼ mile section was coppiced in 2008 to ease fishing and improve the habitat. This is small stream trout fishing which is usually at its best from mid April through to early July and then again in September. There are healthy populations of trout in this part of the Lugg and good mayfly hatches. It is double bank fishing except for the top 3 fields (600 yards), which are right bank fishing only (looking downstream). With a silt and gravel riverbed, it is relatively easy access and wading. For those requiring local accommodation there is excellent self- catering available adjacent to the beat at Gilfach Farm. Telephone 01544 230464. www.gilfachfarmholidays.co.uk Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. One fish limit.

106 W20 - The Lugg - Middlemoor Beat

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 1 Forming the border between England and Wales this beat offers approximately 0.6 miles of mixed single and double bank, enough to give an angler a good 4-5 hours of wonderful small stream fishing. It comprises a lovely variety of water with a mix of deep pools, fast runs and steady glides. It is mostly easy wading over gravel but beware of the deeper holes. Wild brown trout are the main quarry although this part of the Lugg also holds grayling. There is good B&B accommodation nearby at Middlemoor Barn (tel: 01544 267815). Species present: Wild Brown Trout, Grayling. Season: 3rd March to 30th September. Ideally fished with: 7 to 8ft, 3 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: Fly fishing only. 1 fish per day may be retained. Well behaved dogs permitted.

W21 - The Hindwell - Knill Beat

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 1 The Hindwell Brook is a wild trout stream that gently meanders in an easterly direction from its origins in the Radnor Forest to join the river Lugg just below Presteigne. Being spring fed, the river keeps a good flow throughout the summer months. The 2 mile + Knill Beat runs for the most part over a gravel riverbed, making for relatively easy wading and access. Photo: Luke Bannister Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th September. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. Catch & release only.

107 W22 - The Hindwell - Coombe Beat

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 1 The Combe beat of the Hindwell joins the River Lugg at its lower limit and extends for over a mile upstream. The setting is fantastic – meandering along the floodplain and shadowed by Wapley Hill. Like Knill, it is easy wading over the gravel riverbed and will hold its flow even in summer.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout, Grayling. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6 to 7ft, 2 to 3wt rod Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only.

W23 - The Arrow, Kington

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2 The Kington Beat comprises 1.5 miles of double bank fishing on the upper Arrow, just upstream of Kington. Meandering through farmland, this stretch of the river is ideal for those looking for wild brown trout in a small upland stream. Wading is relatively easy over a gravel and silt riverbed. Please be aware that the lower half of this beat (from Hergest Bridge to the confluence with the Gladestry Brook) is also available to anglers from the Kington Fishing Club. The top half is for exclusive use of Wild Stream anglers, however.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. 1 fish limit.

108 W24 - The Arrow, Titley Beat

Booking Price: £12.50 Wading difficulty: 2 Just under a mile of first class River Arrow trout fishing a few miles downstream of Kington. This wonderfully secluded beat is very accessible and is easily enough to provide a day’s fishing. The riverbed is mostly gravel so wading is relatively easy. The downstream limit of the fishing is marked by the old disused railway bridge and the top limit by a large weir. The bottom 100 yards is left bank fishing only, with double bank thereafter.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th September. Ideally fished with: 7 to 7.5ft, 3 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. 2 fish bag limit.

W25 - The Arrow - Court of Noke Fishery

Booking Price: £12.50 Wading difficulty: 2 The Court of Noke offers ¾ mile of double bank Arrow fishing. Mostly a gravel and silt riverbed, the wading is relatively easy in this meandering section of the river. Some of the pools are quite deep, however, so care is needed. This stretch of the river also supports good populations of grayling and the occasional chub.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout, Grayling, Chub. Season: All year (grayling fishing continues outside the trout season). Ideally fished with: 7 to 8ft, 3 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. 2 fish bag limit.

109 W26 - The Arrow, Eardisland

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2 ¾ mile of mixed double and single bank fishing on the lower reaches of the Arrow, just downstream of the historic North Herefordshire village of Eardisland. Characteristically for this part of the river, the beat has a good variety of deep pools and faster riffles, with a mixture of shaded and open water. Brown trout are the main quarry although grayling are also present here, along with the occasional chub. Expect reasonably easy wading over the gravel and silt riverbed.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout, Grayling. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. 2 fish limit.

W27 - The Arrow - Arrow Mill Fishery

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2 The Arrow Mill Fishery comprises 750 yards of classic small river trout and grayling fishing, all set in wonderful Herefordshire countryside. The gravel and silt riverbed makes for relatively easy going. With the Arrow’s abundant fly life, expect good mayfly hatches from this stretch of water in late May and June. Although not the longest of beats, it will provide an angler with a few hours of first class small river trout and grayling fishing on both dry fly and nymph. Species present: Wild Brown Trout, Grayling. Season: Photo: Guido Vinck All year (grayling fishing continues outside the trout season). Additional Details: Dogs permitted under control. Fly fishing only. 3 fish bag limit.

110 W28 - The Arrow - Monkland Fishery

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2 This beat is just over a mile of right bank fishing a few miles west of Leominster. The river here has a lowland character, meandering through fields with deep pools on each corner. The fishery has been stocked with trout in recent years to augment natural populations. Wading is necessary to fish this water, the silt and gravel riverbed making for relatively easy going.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout, Grayling. Season: 3rd March to 30th September. Ideally fished with: 7 to 7.5ft, 3 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. 2 fish bag limit.

W29 - Pinsley Brook

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2 The Pinsley Brook is a small tributary of the River Lugg, flowing through the rolling countryside of north Herefordshire. The Pinsley has many characteristics of a southern chalk stream, and although very small in places has a very healthy population of trout. Early in the season should be the best time to fish the brook, before the bank side vegetation is at its most dense. As the season progresses however, fishing the Pinsley will be a real challenge for the more accurate casters, when the channel width reduces to less than a metre through much of its length. Please pay attention to the map and do not wander from the river channel unless to access the public footpath that runs along the whole length of the beat. Species present: Wild Brown Trout, Grayling. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6 to 7ft, 1 to 3wt rod. Additional Details: Catch and release only. No dogs. Fly fishing only. Photo: Oliver Burch

111 The Monnow Beats

orming the border between England regularly. Grayling are also present in Fand Wales for much of its length, the many of the middle and lower reaches. Monnow starts life in the hills around Hay Until recently much of the Monnow was Bluff, flowing for approximately 26 miles relatively private and therefore frustratingly in a general southerly direction before unavailable to visiting anglers. However, entering the Wye at Monmouth. alongside extensive habitat restoration schemes undertaken by The Monnow Named in Welsh “Myn-wy” literally “by Rivers Association, much more of the river the Wye”, it is the first major tributary of has been opened up. the Wye and was historically known as “one of the very best trout streams in We have 15 highly recommended Wild Stream beats on the Monnow system. south Britain” (The Field 1904). This bold claim is still upheld by those who fish it

112 W30 - The Honddu - Half Moon

Booking Price: £7.50 Wading difficulty: 3 One valley over from the Usk catchment (possibly its pre ice age destination), the Honddu is the most westerly of the rivers that make up the Monnow system and is entirely on the Welsh side of the border. The upper reaches flow through a dramatically steep sided, rocky valley in the heart of the Black Mountains. Despite the Welsh translation of its name implying an easy paced flow, the Honddu is an archetypal mountain stream, rushing over the bedrock and boulders, through gutters and into deep, inviting pools.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. Catch & release only.

W31 - The Honddu - Llanthony

Booking Price: £7.50 Wading difficulty: 3 A ½ mile stretch of the Honddu that will easily provide a half day’s fishing on the upper reaches of this wonderful trout stream. Despite its size, the river here has some very deep pools.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. Catch & release only.

113 W32 - The Honddu - Maes-y-Beran

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 3 The Maes-y-Beran Beat is a ¾ mile stretch of mostly double bank fishing that joins directly onto the end of the next beat downstream, Lower Henllan. Expect a small, cascading wild trout stream, ideal for anglers looking for true remoteness.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. Catch & release only.

W33 - The Honddu - Lower Henllan

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 3 Joining onto the downstream limit of Maes-y- Beran is the Lower Henllan Beat, approximately a mile of mostly double bank fishing. Half way up the beat is a stone arch spanning the river dating back to the early 1800’s. This was the start of a bridge, the building of which was cancelled as a result of a neighbourly dispute, nowadays allowing only the sheep to keep their feet dry. This is a stunning stretch of rocky upland stream, which has in the past produced some excellent wild brown trout. Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: Catch & release only. No dogs. Fly fishing only.

114 W34 - The Honddu - Lower Stanton

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2 A few miles downstream of Lower Henllan the Lower Stanton beat is 1 mile of small river fishing for wild brown trout and occasional grayling. Midway along the beat, however, is a fish farm so anglers may find themselves sporadically connected to an escapee rainbow. Please be aware that the short stretch of water from the trout farm outlet upstream to the weir is not included in the beat. For those looking for somewhere to stay, Lower Stanton Farm offers excellent B&B and self catering accommodation - 01873 890747.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout, Grayling. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 7 to 8ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: Catch & release only. Fly fishing only. No dogs.

W35 - The Honddu, Pandy Beat

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2 The Pandy Beat is a 1 mile stretch of this magical Monnow tributary. As well as the wild brown trout that occupy the Honddu, this stretch also holds grayling. For those that enjoy fly fishing with light gear on small rivers, this beat is definitely one to try. Local accommodation is available at Lower Treveddw Campsite - 01873 890 678 or at The Lancaster Arms Guest House - 01873 890 699.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 7 to 8ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: Catch & release only. Fly fishing only. No dogs.

115 W36 - Upper Escley

Booking Price: £7.50 Wading difficulty: 3-4 The Escley is a fast-flowing and recently restored trout stream that flows into the Monnow at Longtown. This Upper beat was opened in 2010, and given the popularity of the other two Escley beats was an exciting addition. Much the same as the rest of the Escley, it contains a high number and average size of trout, and combined with a stunning location, is prime upland trout fishing. Please note that there is a section in the middle of this beat where no fishing is permitted and anglers must exit the river to walk up to the next section. More details are given in the beat’s documents. Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. Catch & release only.

W37 - Middle Escley

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 3 The Middle Escley is a 2½ mile stretch of this stream that an angler would do well to complete in a day! This beat is always popular and despite suffering from low flows in 2011 continues to be some of the Wild Streams scheme’s finest trout fishing.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: Catch & release only. Fly fishing only. No dogs.

116 W38 - Lower Escley

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 3 A 2.2 mile, mostly double-banked, stretch of this popular river, which includes part of the confluence with the Monnow. Coppiced in 2009 through a WUF/MRA partnership, the beat is reasonably open and easy to fish with a good mixture of bedrock and gravel pools. Returns indicate that the beat has a very healthy average size of trout. The lower sections also contain grayling. Species present: Wild Brown Trout, Grayling. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 7 to 8ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: Catch & release only. Fly fishing only. No dogs.

W39 Monnow - Upper Longtown

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2-3 The River Monnow at Longtown offers classic upland fly fishing set against the jagged backdrop of the Black Mountains. Fly hatches on this medium to small sized stretch of the river can be spectacular, including the mayflies of late spring and early summer. Wild brown trout are plentiful, averaging 10”/11” but with more than several fish of over 1lb caught each season. The Upper Beat is just under a mile of mixed single and double bank fishing. Peering over the bridge that marks the start, the Monnow looks a relatively small stream here. Yet this stretch has some very deep, tempting pools that hold many good sized trout and the occasional grayling. Species present: Wild Brown Trout, occasional Grayling. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 8ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: Dogs permitted under control. Fly fishing only. Catch and release.

117 W40 - The Lower Longtown Beat

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2 The Longtown Monnow beat comprises 2/3 mile of mostly double bank fishing. Watch out for the pool where the Escley Brook joins the Monnow towards the top end of the beat - there are quite often a few dark shadows loitering in the depths. The stretch has been fenced and coppiced by the River Monnow Project so access is relatively easy and bank fishing possible in many places.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout, occasional Grayling. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 8ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: Dogs permitted under control. Fly fishing only. Catch and release.

W41 - The Olchon

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2-3 The Olchon is an upper Monnow tributary that joins the main river just downstream of Long- town. The fishing comprises 1.3 miles of mixed double and single bank fishing, including a small section of the Monnow. It is an attractive, fast flowing little trout stream not dissimilar to the Escley. It holds a good head of wild trout and a similar diversity of invertebrate life as the nearby Monnow and Escley.

118 Bannister Rods Hand Planed Split Cane Fishing Rods So Why Split Cane? The answer is simple... Hook a fish on a well For stream and river balanced cane rod and the fishing rods there is no whole set up will come alive like no other material. better material. No other A well designed taper not only transmits the energy of the caster’s material casts like cane. arm down the fly line and out through the tippet but also It will tuck short, neat, communicates the movement and power of a fighting fish back roll casts into the quiet down the line into your hand. places, where trout lie. Hook a 10" wild trout on a good 7ft 4wt and you will see why so The fabric of the cane many people are talking about cane rods. itself will help to load the rod. For any further information please contact: And in the right hands it Luke Bannister. Unit 4, Little Northcott, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 9EQ will cast a long line delicately and accurately. Tel 01288 353986 www.splitcane.co.uk

W42 - The River Dore - Chanstone Court

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2 A 1.5 mile stretch of mostly double bank River Dore fishing just downstream of Vowchurch. Fenced and coppiced by the Monnow Rivers Association a few years ago, the river here is a mixture of well covered and open water. It has a series of sumptuous pools, some of which will be too deep to wade through. Species present: Wild Brown Trout, Grayling. Season: All year - grayling fishing continues outside the trout season. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. Catch & release only.

119 W43 - The River Dore - Abbey Dore

Booking Price: £7.50 Wading difficulty: 2 The Abbey Dore beat is quite short (800 yards) and is ideal for 3 or 4 hours fishing for one or two people. In addition to the trout, there are good numbers of grayling in this stretch, enabling it to remain open all-year- round. Grayling usually start to appear in catch returns from mid July onwards, with some good catches even being made in December. As with the other Dore beats, there are some deceptively deep pools. B&B accommodation is available next to the water at Tan House Farm 01981 240204. Species present: Wild Brown Trout, Grayling. Season: All year - grayling fishing continues outside the trout season. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: Dogs permitted under control. Fly fishing only. Catch & release only.

W44 - The Dulas Brook

Booking Price: £7.50 Wading difficulty: 2 Anyone who enjoys small stream fishing for wild brown trout should give the Dulas a try. The beat is made up of just under a mile of double and single bank fishing of this River Dore tributary and is a delightful succession of promising lies, some of which are surprisingly deep for such a small stream. With a rod of not over 7½ feet, stealth will be the key to your success. Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. Catch & release only.

120 The Usk Tributaries

s well as being a premier Welsh on to the town of Usk itself, joining the Asalmon river the Usk is also acclaimed Bristol Channel at Newport. as one of the best wild trout rivers in the The quality of Usk tributary fishing is well UK. The Welsh name for the river is “Afon reflected in the difficulty in obtaining it. Wysg”, appropriately meaning “river However, in 2013 we have increased the abounding in fish”. number of Usk tributary beats for you to Starting at the Usk reservoir, the river flows try to twelve, together with information on in an southerly direction through stunning how to access some club water on the scenery, passing to the north of the Afon Lwyd. To see where these beats are Brecon Beacons before starting to take a in relation to towns, please see the overall more southerly through Abergavenny and map on pages 138/139.

121 W45 - Crai Upper

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2 Seemingly miles from civilisation, the Crai valley sums up the beauty of mid Wales. It is a wonderful trout stream, and one of the Usk’s most productive tributaries. Recently coppiced, the fishing has now been extended and split into two 1 mile beats. The large numbers of juvenile salmon in this river mean that anglers must use barbless hooks only. The flows are topped up in the summer by releases from Crai reservoir and it is easy wading.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6 to 7ft, 2 to 3wt rod. Additional Details: Barbless hooks only. No dogs. Fly fishing only. 1 fish can be retained per rod.

W46 - Crai Lower

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2 The Lower Crai beat is all double bank fishing, adjoining the upper beat at its upstream limit at Ty-gwyn Bridge.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. 2011 catches: Ideally fished with: 6 to 7ft, 2 to 3wt rod. Additional Details: Barbless hooks only. No dogs. Fly fishing only. 1 fish can be retained per rod.

122 W47 - Danygraig (Crai)

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2 In comparison to the Upper and Lower Crai beats, the Danygraig beat is wider with more tree cover. This fast flowing stream contains plenty of holding spots for trout, with boulders and pocket water presenting an exciting challenge for the fly angler. The wading is relatively easy and the location is perfect for quiet day’s trout fishing. Barbless hooks must be used on this stretch.

W48 - Middle Senni - NEW BEAT

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2-3 Over a mile in length, this beat has several slow, deep pools along its length that have produced trout to well over a pound in recent years. The lower section is slightly faster water made up of riffles and glides before entering a wooded area towards the end. The stretch benefitted from the Foundation’s work in 2011 when habitat staff reported seeing plenty of trout in the 8 to 10 inch class. Thigh waders should suffice but studded soles are recommended.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 1 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: Catch & Release only. Fly fishing only. No dogs.

123 W49 - Upper Cilieni - NEW

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2-3 The Cilieni is a remote River Usk tributary that joins the main stem just below Sennybridge. We have added two more beats to the one we had in 2012. The upper beat extends for a mile upstream from the village of Pentre Bach and is true wild stream fishing. Recently coppiced, it is ideal for upstream trout fishing with very light tackle. The river narrows and meanders as you progress upriver, providing some fantastic pools to explore in stunning surroundings. This beat is right bank fishing only and is fishable in thigh waders although some of the pools are deep. Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 1 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: Catch & Release only. Fly fishing only. No dogs. W50 - Middle Cilieni

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2-3 The middle beat comprises nearly 1½ miles of mostly double bank fishing (the final ¼ mile being left bank only). Please note that the lower half has not been coppiced so press on if you prefer open fishing! There is also a hut available to anglers approximately half way along the beat. Please ensure you close the door when you leave to prevent sheep from getting in.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 1 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: Catch & Release only. Fly fishing only. No dogs.

124 W51 - Lower Cilieni - NEW

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2-3 The fishing extends from the bridge in Pentre Felin village downstream through some very picturesque small waterfalls and a quaint road bridge to 200 yards from where the Cilieni joins the main river Usk. This beat is slightly more open due to the habitat work carried out in 2010 and there are some lovely deep pools to explore in between the riffles and runs. Trout up to 1.5lbs are possible but the average fish around 8-10 inches. Although the beat can be fished in thigh waders, chest waders would be beneficial as crossing is necessary due to a combination of left and right bank fishing. Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 1 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: Catch & Release only. Fly fishing only. No dogs.

W52 - Middle Bran - NEW

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2-3 The Bran is an Usk tributary that flows south off the Eppynt before entering the main Usk just below Aberbran Bridge. This particular beat starts around a mile upstream from the confluence and holds a good head of wild brown trout. The stream provides a combination of bed rock channels, gravel beds and riffles with some fantastic deeper pools along its length. The fishing is right bank only with good wading and is ideal for trout anglers to work their way quietly upstream. There are 2 campsites, Aberbran Fach and Fawr as well as Ty Torlan B&B in the village of Aberbran itself.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 1 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: Catch & Release only. Fly fishing only. No dogs.

125 W53 - Lower Bran - NEW

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 3 The Lower Bran starts just a few hundred yards from the confluence with the Usk, ending around a mile upstream at the middle beat. Flowing mainly over bedrock but with several gravel pools, this section of water holds good numbers of wild brown trout. The river works its way through a wooded area and includes some very picturesque waterfalls around the halfway point. Accurate casting is essential on this previously untouched piece of wild trout fishing. Thigh waders should suffice but studded soles are recommended.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 1 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: Catch & Release only. Fly fishing only. No dogs.

W54 - The Honddu (Usk)

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 3 Not to be confused with the Monnow tributary, this Honddu begins life at Blaenhonddu on the Eppynt, a mountain dividing the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains, flowing in a southerly direction to join the Usk at Brecon, or Aberhonddu. The river’s name derives from the Welsh for easy, happy or pleasant, a candid description for this picturesque trout stream. The beat offers over 1¼ miles of quality Usk tributary fishing, which is largely double bank although anglers are asked to note that the top 650 yards is right bank fishing only.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6.5 to 7.5ft, 2 to 3wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. 2 trout bag limit.

126 W55 - Upper Grywne Fawr

Booking Price: £12.50 Wading difficulty: 2 We are very lucky to have access to this prime stretch of wild brown trout fishing and a day spent fishing this remote beat should be one to remember. Large trout are to be found in the Grywne Fawr, and with such a diversity of in-stream features, this is a favourite beat for many. The wading is tough in places, and the rocks are slippery so studded soles are a must. Anglers should note that this is a 1 rod only beat.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 7 to 8ft, 3 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. Only 1 trout to be taken per angler. 1 angler only, or 2 sharing one rod.

W56 - Lower Grywne Fawr

Booking Price: £12.50 Wading difficulty: 2 This stretch of the renowned Usk tributary was fully coppiced by the Foundation a few years ago so, together with the comparatively easy wading, it provides enjoyable fly fishing for those seeking wild trout in a beautiful setting. This is a truly remote beat, which offers approximately half a mile of double and single bank fishing.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 7 to 8ft, 3 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. 2 trout bag limit.

127 W57 - The Afon Lwyd - Cwmbran

Booking Price: £7.50 Wading difficulty: 2 The Afon Lwyd (Grey River) is a small river in South Wales which flows from its source in the Black Mountains, through Pontypool and Cwmbran before flowing into the River Usk at Caerleon. 30 years ago, this was one of the most polluted rivers in the UK, carrying effluent from mines, steelworks and urban development (hence its name). A comprehensive clean up has enabled trout to re-colonise and the Environment Agency and WUF are removing the various barriers to migration so that sea trout and salmon may again return. It remains essentially an urban river and one is never far from remnants of the post industrial age. We see it as a triumph that fishing is now available. This 2 mile stretch of fishing, controlled by Cwmbran Angling Association, flows through Cwmbran and has excellent parking and access. Species present: Brown Trout. Possible migratory fish. Season: 3rd March to 30th Sept. Ideally fished with: 6 – 7ft, 2 to 4wt rod. Additional Details: Fly fishing only.

W58 - The Afon Lwyd - Llantarnam Abbey - NEW

Booking Price: £7.50 Wading difficulty: 2 Flowing for the most part through deciduous woodland, this ¾ of a mile stretch of double bank Afon Lwyd offers fishing for superbly conditioned wild brown trout from the deep pools and fast riffles that characterise this beat. The access and parking facilities are excellent, whilst the wading is relatively easy over a mostly gravel riverbed. Species present: Brown Trout. Possibly migratory fish. Season: 3rd March to 30th September (inc). Ideally fished with: 6 – 7ft, 2 to 3wt rod. Additional Details: Fly fishing only.

128 Other Rivers

he following pages give details Ton fishing small streams in the Forest of Dean, as well as accessing some superb river fishing in West Wales. Photo: Philip Howie

The Forest of Dean streams, tributaries of the mighty River Severn, offer an interesting contrast to those of the Wye and Usk catchments. Many will be unfamiliar with the quality of the trout fishing available here - they are virtually un-fished and present a great challenge for an accurate fly caster. If visiting the area, make sure you pack that brook rod! The Aeron, Arth and Teifi in West Wales are classic spate rivers. They contain some good brown trout but it is the sea trout (sewin) that these rivers are renowned for, offering the opportunity to catch them just minutes off the tide. The following pages give information on how to access these rivers. Let us know how you get on! 129 W59 - The Blackpool Brook

Booking Price: £5 Wading difficulty: 2 The Blackpool Brook is a small stream running through the heart of the Forest of Dean. Meandering through ancient woodland, this stretch is ideal for those looking for a couple of hour’s wild brown trout fishing, using the stealthiest approach possible – take your short- est rod, and be prepared to use marksman tactics! Wading can be tricky over the boulder riverbed and care should be taken when wading and fishing through the short, dark tunnels and under roads. This is a unique fly fishing experience and is not to be missed.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 1st March to 7th October. Ideally fished with: 6 to 7ft, 1 to 3wt rod. Additional Details: Fly fishing only. Catch & release only.

W60 - The Bideford Brook

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2 The Bideford Brook is a small stream that joins the River Severn not far upstream from Lydney. A few miles from its confluence with the river Severn, this beat is a classic example of lowland small stream trout fishing. The river is set below field level for much of its length, so combined with a fairly thick tree canopy is well protected from the elements. Expect to catch wild brown trout up to 12” from the small, deep pools, and short straight flats. Wad- ing is easy over a gravel riverbed, and a footpath along much of the beat ensures a straight forward return to the parking area.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 1st March to 7th October. Ideally fished with: 6 to 7ft, 2 to 3wt rod. Additional Details: No dogs. Fly fishing only. One fish may be retained.

130 W61 - Cannop Brook

Booking Price: £10 Wading difficulty: 2 The Cannop Brook is a small Forest of Dean stream perfect for a few hours brown trout fishing. This is a stretch of approximately 1 mile, located between Parkend and Whitecroft, a few miles upstream of Lydney. Although following a fairly straight channel, there are several meanders which provide good depth and cover for the resident brown trout. Wading through the channel is not possible in all places, and care should be taken when navigating around fallen trees. The upper limit is at the footbridge in Parkend.

Species present: Wild Brown Trout. Season: 1st March to 7th October. Ideally fished with: 6 to 7ft, 1 to 3wt rod. Additional Details: Fly fishing only. Catch & release only.

W62 - Aberaeron Town Angling Club Water

Superb fishing is available through the Aberaeron Town Angling Club. There are two rivers to fish, the Arth and the Aeron. The Arth provides challenging fishing for small, wild, brown trout in addition to sewin (sea trout) fishing on the lower reaches; sewin fishing on the Aeron can be excellent, providing very fresh fish straight off the tide with the bonus of an autumn salmon run. To gain access to any of the Aberaeron Town Angling Club Water, you must first obtain a day ticket. These are available from the Post Office counter in Costcutters store, Market Street, Aberaeron, and from the Tourist Information Office, Quay Parade, Aberaeron. Further details can be found at www.aberaeron-angling.org Photo: Steffan Jones

131 Canoeing on the Wye and Usk

On the main River Wye below Hay there is a public The right of navigation and this activity remains paramount Foundation’s in law. It is the heavy traffic of summer and bank holi- Usk gauge days that causes the greatest contention, with fisher- at Brecon. men and owners often being sorely tried when finding Canoeing canoeists camping, litter on their river banks and fish- is only ing proving impossible due to the weight of traffic. The permitted Environment Agency is the Navigation Authority and it from 3rd is their responsibility to ensure adequate legislation, March to information and liaison. 17th October when the The Wye upstream of Hay and the Usk, on the oth- height of the er hand, have no right of navigation. Canoeing used river is above to take place with agreements between owners and the red line. canoeists. Following the abandonment of these long running agreements in 2006, canoe organisations have pressed for open access to all rivers in Wales. Our policy has been to meet this with reasonable voluntary agreements on behalf of owners and anglers. In 2007 we put in place arrangements on both upper Usk and Wye. Details of these may be found at www.wyeuskfoundation.org/navigation We continue to make the case for voluntary access as an alternative to imposed legislation.

Details of these arrangements: River Usk: Sennybridge to Crickhowell - canoeing permitted 18th October to 2nd March, and outside these dates when water height exceeds the red line on the gauge at Brecon. Upper River Wye: Llangurig to Newbridge - canoeing only permitted when water exceeds red lines on gauges. Upper River Wye: Newbridge to Hay - canoeing permitted 18th October to 15th March, and outside these dates when water height exceeds the red line on the Llanstephan gauge. Launching from Glasbury should only be between 10am and 4pm. Canoeing in high water on the upper Wye in Both rivers also have agreed summer. Note the water height is above the red access and exit points. line on the gauge.

132 Code of Conduct for Canoeists - as published by the Environment Agency

Stay Safe Be Fisher Friendly When planning or partaking in your river trip • Pass anglers with as little noise and always consider: disturbance as possible. • Use the river in a safe fashion and • Keep away from banks being fished and ensure that you have the appropriate fishing tackle. safety equipment. • Avoid loitering in pools if anyone is • Groups of young novice boaters must be fishing. led by suitably experienced responsible • Comply with reasonable directional persons – preferably a qualified requests. instructor. • Please also note that fishing from a boat • Don’t drink alcohol during and just prior is not allowed unless you have a valid to your trip on the river. rod licence and permission from the • Follow instructions given to you by your owner/ tenant of the fishery rights. canoe hire operator and/or group leader. And finally... if in doubt, don’t! Care for Wildlife • Avoid disturbing nesting birds along the Consider Other People river banks, particularly in spring time. • Park sensibly without causing • Avoid damaging beds of waterweed. obstruction, do not block gateways or • Stop your activity if you are clearly load and unload vehicles in awkward disturbing wildlife. places. • Keep noise to a minimum. • Get changed out of public view. Help Keep a Healthy River • Whenever possible come ashore The River Wye boasts excellent water qual- at recognised landing places; do ity in a largely unmodified water course. You not trespass on private property or can help maintain a healthy river by: moorings. • Taking your rubbish away with you. • When canoeing have special regard for beginners, as you would for learner • Avoiding damage to banks, the riverbed drivers on the road. and bankside vegetation - this can lead to erosion. You can help by only • Remember that larger boats are less launching and landing at purpose made manoeuvrable and cannot use such launch points. shallow waters as canoes, rafts and rowing boats. • Avoid dragging boats and equipment over rock slabs and stones. • Give way to those engaged in organised competition and have regard to any instructions given by officials. • Hail to draw a person’s attention to a situation which might otherwise result in inconvenience, damage or collision. Please treat a hail as a friendly warning and not as an insult.

133 About The Foundation

Registered Charity No. 1080319 www.wyeuskfoundation.org

The Foundation’s main objective is to restore and maintain the fisheries and ecology of these two magical rivers. For salmon and trout, the key to their restoration lies in managing the tributaries and nursery streams while for grayling and coarse species, water quality is paramount. There are four main spheres of activity: river restoration; river protection; education and economics. The vehicles for these activities are a series of partnership projects, many of which are or have been EU funded such as pHish, UP! and ISAC.

RIVER RESTORATION Work started in the Wye catchment in 2003 Restoring Access for Migratory and so far, over 2,700 tons of lime have been distributed. Salmon and trout have Fish responded by rapidly re-colonising these The experience of the Tweed and elsewhere formerly fishless reaches. has shown that this is the single most cost effective way of increasing salmonid Elsewhere, the complicated issue of populations. To date, WUF and partners diffuse pollution has become a high have restored fish access to 723km of priority, especially with the advent of the spawning stream by removing weirs and Water Framework Directive (WFD). Diffuse dams, and by building fish passes at over pollution describes the effect of many 90 sites. small point or “end of pipe” pollutions, collectively creating a significant ecological Habitat Restoration downgrading of a watercourse. In rural When we surveyed the upper Wye catchments such as ours, farming is the in 1995/6 we found that due to stock principal contributor. There are numerous damage, the tributaries were no longer in aspects of the problem. For example, a sufficiently good state to produce the failing to separate rainwater from other densities of juvenile fish stocks of former foul discharge (animal and silage effluent) years. Combined with heavy shading, is an issue all too often ignored but easily fish densities in the majority of tributaries remedied. streams were only 20% of their potential and historic numbers. Our remedy is to RIVER PROTECTION fence out stock, coppice over-shaded In addition to these in-river improvements, sections, provide cover for fish and repair WUF has worked to ensure the future of accelerated erosion. the rivers through, for example, buying off nets and putchers in the Severn estuary, Restoring Water Quality introducing a salmon catch and release It was estimated in 2002 that some 17% scheme, eradicating invasive weeds, litter (62kms of main stem and tributaries) of clean-ups and highlighting the dangers of the Wye system was suffering from the gravel extraction. We have also been in the effects of acidification. Fortunately the Usk front line in water abstraction reforms and catchment lies outside the affected geology. against the proposals for a Severn Barrage.

134 EDUCATION An important part of our projects has been raising the awareness of the value of rivers to local communities. The Lugg and Arrow and current REACH projects are teaching schoolchildren in the catchment the value of rivers and their inhabitants. Then there are our regular river walks – a chance to see fish spawning and inspect the Foundation’s work. ECONOMICS The two rivers have an intrinsic economic value through their fisheries that is realised when visitors come and enjoy the scenery and the fishing. The Passport is the way in which we have achieved and passed this on to the rural economy. It has encouraged ongoing reinvestment and is an effective way of helping to protect the rivers’ future. Just as importantly, however, local people and businesses also benefit from increases in the numbers of angling visitors. By establishing the rivers as an economic asset, there is a powerful incentive to look after them.

Picture: A WUF habitat staff member using a concrete chainsaw to modify a weir on a Wye tributary. For more information on our fish passage work please see www.wyeuskfoundation.org/projects

We would like to thank our numerous supporters and project partners, particularly…

Aggregate Sustainable Levy Fund Lugg and Arrow Fisheries Assoc. Dwr Cymru The Rivers Trust Monnow Rivers Association Biffa Award Brecon Beacons Trust The National Grid Enhancement Fund Jordan Trust Countryside Council for Wales Splash Fund Natural England Environment Agency Wales SITA Trust European Fisheries Fund Esmee Fairbairn Foundation Tubney Charitable Trust DEFRA EU EAGGF United Usk Fishermens’ Association Natural England EU ERDF Whitley Trust Biffaward EU LIFE+ Wye Salmon Fisheries Association

135 The Wye & Usk Foundation GIFT AID DONATION FORM SECTION 1 – PLEASE COMPLETE FOR ALL DONATIONS

I would like The Wye & Usk Foundation, registered charity no. 1080319, to treat all donations made since 6 April 2000 and all future donations made from all dates of this declaration, as Gift Aid until I notify you otherwise. I understand that I must pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax in the tax year at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities and CASCs I donate to, will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. Important note regarding Gift Aid: To reclaim tax on your donation it is essential that your name and home address are recorded. Payments have to be made from your personal funds as those from limited companies, angling clubs, charities etc are not eligible. PLEASE FILL IN USING BLOCK CAPITALS

TITLE: ……….....…… SURNAME: ………….……………...... ……..………………. FORENAME(S): ……………...... ……………….……………………

NOTE : Please notify The Wye & Usk Foundation if: ADDRESS: ……………..….…………...... …….………………….…………….. 1. You change your name/address while the declaration is in force 2. Your circumstances change i.e. you no longer pay tax on your income or …………………………..……….……….…………….....…………………………… capital gains tax equal to the tax claimed by the charities you donate to 3. If you wish to cancel your declaration at any time. All subsequent donations from the date of cancellation will be deemed as non gift-aided ………………………..……….………….……………….....………………………… NOTE : 1. If you pay tax at the higher rate, you can claim further tax relief in your ………………...……...... POST CODE: ……………...……………… Self-assessment tax return 2. Please keep a copy of this form for your accountant and your own records (a receipted copy will also be returned to you for this purpose) TEL: …………….…………...... ….………………………………………………… 3. The Wye & Usk Foundation will benefit from tax recovery

MOBILE: ……………………...………….....………………..…………………… Signature: ………………………………………………………………….………………….

EMAIL: .....……………….....……………………………………….………….. Date: ..…………..…………………………….………………………………………..

SECTION 2 – WHERE YOU WOULD LIKE THE MONEY TO BE SPENT I WISH MY DONATION TO BE SPENT ON (please tick any box which applies) WYE USK LUGG & ARROW MONNOW ALL RIVERS

SECTION 3 – ONLY COMPLETE IF YOU WISH TO MAKE A ‘ONE-OFF’ CHEQUE/CASH DONATION W I hereby donate the sum of £ to The Wye & Usk Foundation as a Gift Aid Donation (cheque/cash enclosed)

SECTION 4 – ONLY COMPLETE IF YOU WISH TO PAY AN ANNUAL AMOUNT BY STANDING ORDER TO THE MANAGER PLEASE CREDIT

The Wye & Usk Foundation ………………………..…….………….....………………………BANK/BUILDING SOC. National Westminster Bank …………………………..….……………….....………………………………………………….. West End BUILTH WELLS ……………………..……….……………………….....………………………………………….. LD2 3AH

………….……………….….…..………… POST CODE……….....….……….…………… Acc No: 48146943 Sort Code: 52-10-27

ACCOUNT NO: With the sum of £ ...... (pounds) as a Gift Aid Donation

SORT CODE: on the …………....…. (day) of …………...…..………… (month) 20…....…… - - and the same day each year from this point forward.

DONATIONS CAN ALSO BE MADE BY PHONE WITH CREDIT/DEBIT CARD

Thank you for your generous support - Please return the completed form to:

The Wye & Usk Foundation – The Coach House - Llanstephan - Brecon – Powys - LD3 0YR Tel: 01982 560357 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wyeuskfoundation.org 136

Biosecurity notice for all anglers

New threats to rivers Wye and Usk

All river users benefit from a healthy aquatic environment. In addition to the work to improve the ecology of the Wye and Usk, the Foundation must make anglers and other river users aware of the dangers that they might inadvertently pose to indigenous flora and fauna, and what they should do about it. Clothing and equipment (especially nets and waders) that have not been thoroughly dried or disinfected can carry parasites and other diseases and infect water bodies. These can have devastating effects as species that inhabit the newly infected water body have little or no immunity. Crayfish plague is just such a disease. It is carried by the American signal crayfish, which is widely prevalent and immune to the parasite whereas our native Whiteclawed crayfish is not. Another potentially damaging plague is Gy- rodactylus salaris (above right), this affects salmon and could be brought in from the continent. It has devastated rivers in Norway. A more recent threat has come from the killer shrimp Dikerogammarus villosus (pictured above), a destructive species that has arrived in UK waters from Eastern Europe. If introduced into the Wye or Usk they too will have a devastating effect on native species of invertebrates, fish and other wildlife. For more information on killer shrimp please see: http://el.erdc.usace.army.mil/ansrp/dikerogammarus_villosus.pdf The risk of crayfish plague, GS and killer shrimp require precautions to be taken. What you must do: Certain items of your clothing and equipment (especially nets, felt soles and waders) can be very effective means by which you could infect water. In addition to abiding by the rule of no keepnets, if your equipment or clothing has been used abroad or on any different UK river in the 7 days prior to you visiting the Wye or Usk (or any tributary), you must ensure that it has been properly sterilized through one of the following methods before you arrive: Method A: Drying to a minimum of 20 deg C for at least 2 days. Method B: Heating to above 60 deg C for at least one hour. Method C: Deep freezing for at least one day.

137 Location of Fishing Beats

138 www.wyeuskfoundation.org

The Wye & Usk Foundation

139 Tackle - Everything you need for fishing locally or anywhere in the world. Expert Advice - our team of advisors are here to help. 30m Casting Pool - try rods and lines before you buy.

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